Mayors from across northern England have arrived in India for a major trade mission aimed at strengthening economic ties between the UK and India, with the government estimating that the initiative could generate £1 billion for the UK economy.
Nearly 200 delegates representing businesses and regions across the North are taking part in the visit, which begins in Delhi. The delegation includes Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Environment Secretary Angela Eagle and Scotland Secretary Douglas Alexander.
The mission marks the first major trade visit since the UK-India free trade agreement came into force earlier this year. It also represents the first coordinated effort by northern England’s regions to promote their combined economic strengths on the international stage.
The agreement is expected to deliver significant economic benefits across the North, with estimates suggesting it could boost regional economies by £450 million annually. The North West could benefit by £210 million, Yorkshire and the Humber by £170 million, and the North East by £70 million.
Seven mayors are participating in the delegation, including Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard.
Other participants include Hull and East Yorkshire Mayor Luke Campbell, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith and West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin.
The programme features a VisitBritain event showcasing northern England, alongside meetings designed to explore potential business partnerships, investment opportunities and stronger commercial links between India and the region.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is also scheduled to meet his Indian counterpart to discuss the trade agreement, including its implementation and any outstanding issues that could affect its benefits.
Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor and chair of The Great North group, said the joint mission would help showcase the region’s strengths internationally and create opportunities for jobs, investment and prosperity at home.
Reynolds said the £1 billion trade mission would strengthen the UK’s relationship with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, helping businesses access new opportunities and ensuring the benefits of international trade reach communities across the country.
The visit highlights growing ambitions to expand UK-India trade and position northern England as a competitive destination for international investment and business partnerships.
