From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Jul 21: Sir Philip Barton, British high commissioner to India, held virtual calls with Karnataka chief minister B S Yediyurappa, industry leaders and startup community - and got a ‘real’ taste of Bengaluru through a traditional masala dosa delivered to his residence.
Sir Philip Barton visited Bengaluru on Wednesday in the first of the series of virtual regional visits as the UK’s new high commissioner.
He had a virtual meeting with Karnataka CM B S Yeddyurappa and focused on bringing new momentum to the already strong UK-Karnataka relationship.
Both sides restated their commitment to working together on the immediate challenge of COVID and beyond.
Sir Philip subsequently ‘travelled’ to Electronics City, where he met with a range of key business leaders to discuss deepening the UK-India tech partnership and opportunities for global investors in the UK.
Sir Philip also met with a group of entrepreneurs, business founders and innovators, who were part of the first GoGlobal UK cohort to explore the dynamic UK market considered one of the best ecosystems for startups in the world.
They had earlier attended a week-long boot-camp in London and Manchester in December 2019 that helped them bolster their business skills, build links with UK’s thriving digital sector and paved the way for future partnerships.
His visit concluded with the delivery of special Mysore masala dosa to his residence in Delhi along with authentic south Indian filter coffee, which he relished over a chat with historian and commentator Ramachandra Guha. They discussed the unique UK-India “living bridge” across culture and cuisine, history and heritage, and sports and science.
Sir Philip Barton said, "I am delighted to make my first regional virtual visit to Bengaluru, the technology hub of India. My visit comes at a difficult time for everyone. So it is also a time when the excellent collaboration between the UK and Karnataka across technology and healthcare could not be important."
"Making the most of those close links, and drawing on the great energy, innovation and entrepreneurship that Karnataka is famous for, will be central to ensuring we all recover from Covid-19 stronger than ever," he said.
Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford, the deputy high commissioner to Karnataka and Kerala, said, "Sir Philip’s decision to make his first virtual visit to Bengaluru underscores the continued importance of Karnataka in the UK-India relationship. Being the technology hub of India, Bengaluru lies at the heart of the UK-India tech relationship. With the presence of some of the best minds working in this field in both the countries, the UK and Karnataka will act as a force for good in fostering economic ties and business links while also tackling climate change and preserving biodiversity.”