India
21 September 2012
The UK’s relations with India offer immense opportunities for both countries
We build long-term relationships and trust, which underpins economic and political ties
Our work in India brings direct benefit to UK prosperity and growth
- India is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and one of the most populous countries in the world. The expanding middle-class (approx 20% of the population) wants to take advantage of new language, education and cultural opportunities, also internationally, to satisfy its economic and social aspirations
- To continue to grow and prosper, India needs to form new international partnerships, particularly in education
- Cultural relations help to strengthen the UK’s diplomatic, economic and trade links with India
- We work with the English language, arts and education to support India’s educational and cultural ambitions and to enhance understanding of modern India in the UK
- The British Council is a trusted partner in India, with a track record spanning more than 60 years.
- Our work in English and examinations raises the profile of UK expertise, provides people in India with the skills to develop lasting connections with the UK and creates the conditions for UK business to pursue exports and investment
- We promote the UK cultural and creative sectors in India
- We generate economic benefits by supporting UK schools, colleges and universities to attract students from India
India’s expected economic growth for 2012-13 is 7%. 50% of a 1.2 billion-strong population are aged below 25.
We have an on the ground presence in nine of India’s major cities.
Project English has benefited more than 27 million learners, brought opportunities for professional development to more than 550,000 teachers and 4,500 teacher trainers, and engaged more than 100 policy-makers. In March 2012, we expect to have reached 750,000 teachers within our five-year target.
We administer English language and professional examinations for more than 200,000 candidates each year.
We are expanding the range and impact of artistic exchange through the first ever India-UK cultural co-operation agreement. High-profile events to date have included Anish Kapoor exhibitions in Delhi and Mumbai, which were presented in partnership with Louis Vuitton and Tata Group. The events attracted more than 60,000 visitors and reached a TV audience of more than 10 million.
Since 2006, Indian and UK academic institutions, government and industry have come together as part of the UKIERI (UK-India Education and Research Initiative) to deliver 600 successful partnerships in all areas of the education sector. The second phase of UKIERI was signed by both Prime Ministers in 2010. It will run for five years, with joint investment of £5 million each year, encouraging innovation and skills development among the new generation of leaders in both countries.
We have a crucial co-ordinating role for the first India-UK Cultural Agreement, signed by David Cameron in 2010. Our work builds an audience in India for the UK’s creativity and strengthens the influence of the UK arts sector.
The number of Indian students in the UK has more than doubled in the last ten years. In 2009-10, there were 38,500 Indian students in UK higher education, contributing £850 million to the UK economy.
