Eknath Shinde seeks deeper economic ties between Maharashtra and UK at House of Lords event

The citation accompanying the recognition credits Eknath Shinde for citizen-oriented governance during his tenure as Chief Minister and subsequently as Deputy Chief Minister. He specifically referred to initiatives such as the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana and Shasan Aaplya Dari programme. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde received the ‘Commonwealth Public Leadership Award’ at an event held at the House of Lords in London on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 where he showcased the wider cooperation between Maharashtra and the UK in fintech, green energy, green hydrogen, deep technology, education and skills development.

Urging British businesses to invest in Maharashtra, Mr Shinde said Mumbai and London, as major financial centres, had considerable scope for deeper economic engagement. He reiterated the state government’s goal of making Maharashtra a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Presenting Maharashtra as India’s industrial and financial powerhouse, Mr. Shinde said the state contributes nearly 14% of India’s GDP and attracts more than 30% of the country’s foreign direct investment. He cited projects including Vadhavan Port, Samruddhi Expressway, Mumbai Trans Harbor Link and Mumbai Coastal Road as examples of state infrastructure support.

Eknath Shinde urged British businesses to invest in Maharashtra and said Mumbai and London were major financial hubs. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

The recognition was presented at an event hosted by the UK’s Asian Business Council and Canvas for Care Creative Art Campus. Former First Minister of Northern Ireland Baroness Arlene Foster, Chairman of the UK Asian Business Council Andrew Grocock and Deputy Chairman Sudeep Sakale were among those present, according to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

The citation accompanying the recognition credited Mr. Shinde with citizen-oriented governance during his tenure as Chief Minister and subsequently as Deputy Chief Minister. He specifically referred to initiatives such as the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana and Shasan Aaplya Dari programme.

Mr. Shinde said his approach to social politics was influenced by witnessing the struggles of his mother and wife while growing up in a farming family.

Referring to the Ladki Bahin programme, he said, “I have one sister but thanks to the Ladki Bahin programme, I have gained millions of sisters.”

He also highlighted initiatives including higher education assistance for girls, a dedicated ward for the disabled, transgender policy of the state and assistance through the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell.

Speaking on India-UK relations, Mr Shinde said the relationship was entering a “new golden era” and described the Maharashtrian community living in the UK as an important bridge between the two countries.

Published – 10 Sep 2026 09:03 IST