India-UK Tech Corridor helping automakers scale new heights: Harjinder Kang, Trade Commissioner

Speaking exclusively to Zee News at the ongoing London Tech Week 2023, UK’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia, Harjinder Kang said that UK’s technology innovation and India’s production capacity will provide new opportunities to automakers in both the countries. Helping to reach the heights. Global competitiveness, the next step in the India-UK relationship will be cooperation in ‘sunrise’ future technology areas such as artificial intelligence, health technologies, clean technologies, smart urbanization and future mobility,” Kang said.

He further added that the India-UK technology corridor is a big deal for automotive brands. Several Indian companies have invested in the United Kingdom over the years, taking advantage of the UK’s focus on technology. While the acquisition of Jaguar-Land Rover group by Tata Motors created a huge buzz in the global markets, it also paved the way for the two countries to enhance their ties in the automotive sector. The industry is undergoing transformational change, moving from just machines to technology driven machines.

“The UK and India share a unique relationship that has been strengthened over the years through living bridges, investments and cultural links. Many Indian companies are setting up R&D centers in the UK to access innovative solutions. This is testament to the UK’s skilled and expert workforce and this continued investment will help create jobs, contribute tax and play a significant role in deepening and expanding the long-standing relationship between India and the UK,” Harjinder Kang said.

From autonomous vehicles to electric vehicles, the auto industry has changed a lot in the last few years. Indian auto companies, in particular, are taking advantage of the UK’s large spending in the technology sector to build their R&D centers in the United Kingdom. Indian companies like Mahindra and Tata have recently set up their design studios in the UK. Similarly, TVS acquired British motorcycle manufacturer Norton, and is using its technology to make its products more competitive.

“India has a rich history of culture, tradition, business and is a very impressive investment destination for investors. With both governments smoothing the road for collaboration, investors to collaborate with next generation tech companies has changed the flow of investment going to the UK.

“From our role in developing the first programmable computer to our current world-leading strength in emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, the UK has a rich history of technological innovation. Ranked fourth in the Global Innovation Index, the UK continues to lead the way in developing the technologies of the future,” he said.

Harjinder Kang heads a department that co-operates between the two countries to facilitate trade between India and the UK. He was a key negotiator in the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). “India’s economic success and growth are vital to the global economy, the UK’s interests in South Asia and global priorities such as the Sustainable Development Goals,” Kang said.

“India and the UK are collaborating in many areas and at various levels. Realizing the potential of world-leading digital hubs like the UK and India, together we can create a culture of innovation, lead the way for the next generation of technological advancements and solve global challenges together,” he said. concluded.