Tim Farron appoints Sudhir Choudhrie as his adviser on India

The role will involve helping the party develop its relationship with the British-Indian community and provide advice on Britain’s foreign and business relationships with India.  

 

The role is also tasked to help the new leader to gain a better understanding of the UK Indian community, its needs and concerns as part of Tim Farron's wider commitment to increasing the diversity of the party.

 

During the recent Lib Dem leadership election Tim spoke passionately about the need for the party to reach out to Black, Asian, and Minority ethnic (BAME) communities and for the party to become far more reflective of the communities it is seeking to serve. 

 

Tim Farron has also committed to visit India in 2016.

 

The appointment of entrepreneur Choudhrie came ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK.

 

Tim Farron said: “India is a key strategic partner for the United Kingdom and the British-Indian community contributes so much to our country. I am determined that the Liberal Democrats do all we can to maximise the economic, cultural and social benefit of these relationships”

“Sudhir has been a committed supporter of the Liberal Democrats for many years and I look forward to being able to draw on his vast business experience, unparalleled network in both the UK and India, and wise political counsel.”

 

Sudhir Choudhrie said: “I have long believed that the Liberal Democrats best embody the internationalist and pro-enterprise values that characterise the British-Indian community. India, with its ever vibrant and expanding consumer market of over 1.2 billion people, and home to more than a quarter of the world's millennials, is slated to emerge as the world's third largest economy by 2030, which makes the country extremely attractive. It is thus, critical that both India and UK collaborate on a common agenda of growth and I am honoured by Tim Farron’s decision to ask me to fulfil this role, especially coinciding with Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UK.”