Summary
Greater Manchester's delegation travels to India from 12–16 October under The Great North banner, a joint mayoral-led mission involving Northern regions and UK government departments. The programme spans New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata, with investor meetings, university engagement and cultural activity. The mission builds on the Manchester India Partnership, established over the past decade, and the opening of the Consulate General of India in Manchester in March 2025.
India has become a major source of investment for Greater Manchester. Over the past five years, Indian businesses have created more than 500 jobs and contributed £34.5m in gross value added. Today more than 30 Indian businesses operate across the region, including Tech Mahindra and Keva, which committed an £8m investment last year to establish a Global Creative Development Centre. Greater Manchester exports more than £500m annually to India.
The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed last year, is projected to increase annual bilateral trade by £25.5bn by 2040 and add £4.8bn to the UK economy. The delegation will focus on health innovation, life sciences, creative industries, digital, advanced manufacturing and financial services, sectors of mutual importance to both regions.
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Common questions
- What is this article about?
- Mayor Bev Craig will lead a 60-strong delegation from Greater Manchester to India next week to strengthen trade, investment and cultural ties. The visit, part of a coordinated Northern Mayors mission, aims to capitalise on the UK-India Free Trade Agreement and expand ties in key sectors including life sciences, digital and advanced manufacturing.
- When was this published?
- This article was published on 7 October 2026.
- Who published this article?
- This article was published by TheBusinessDesk.