Indian High Commission strengthens trade links with Suffolk businesses

On 14 November 2025, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce was honoured to host a senior delegation from the High Commission of India for Suffolk & India: Strengthening Global Ties, a visit that showcased Suffolk’s role in driving international trade and innovation.

Led by Ms. Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Minister (Economic), Head of the Economic Wing and the Chief Negotiator for the UK-India FTA, and Mr. Rakesh Dahiya, First Secretary (Trade), the delegation explored some of Suffolk’s most significant business and innovation hubs. The day began at the Port of Felixstowe, the UK’s largest container port, where discussions focused on trade volumes, green logistics, and opportunities to enhance supply chain efficiency between the UK and India. The delegation then visited BT’s Adastral Park, Suffolk’s world-renowned technology campus, to learn about cutting-edge research in telecoms, AI and cybersecurity, and to discuss potential partnerships between UK and Indian tech firms. The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion hosted by Suffolk Chamber, bringing together local business leaders and policymakers to explore trade, investment, and collaboration opportunities. Ms. Nidhi Mani Tripathi shared insights from her experience as India’s chief negotiator highlighting how the India-UK Free Trade Agreement will benefit both Suffolk and Indian businesses.

Reflecting on the visit, John Dugmore, Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said:

"Hosting the Indian High Commission in Suffolk was a privilege and a clear signal of our shared ambition to strengthen international trade links. The conversations highlighted real opportunities for collaboration in logistics, clean energy, and technology. This visit is just the beginning, we will continue working closely with the High Commission to turn these discussions into practical initiatives that deliver real benefits for Suffolk businesses."

Ms. Nidhi Mani Tripathi expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome and emphasised the value of regional engagement:

“It was wonderful to see businesses from Suffolk region across all sectors. The India-UK FTA marks a milestone for the trade and economic partnership of both countries, and it offers huge opportunities to businesses of both sides. I thank Suffolk Chamber of Commerce for organising the roundtable to discuss how to leverage these opportunities and increase the share of trade and investment flows from Suffolk region. Logistics clean energy, technology, and innovation are some of the key areas those emerged for future collaboration with India”

Siddharth Mukne, Managing Director of ERGO Europe Ltd, added:

“On behalf of ERGO, I am pleased to formalise our MoU with the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce (SCoC) to jointly create a strategic programme designed to help Suffolk businesses tap into the vast opportunities available in the Indian market. This marks a significant step forward in our relationship with SCoC and positions us to offer bespoke support to businesses of every size and sector across the region”

During the visit, Suffolk Chamber also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ERGO Europe Ltd, a UK–India business facilitation organisation. This agreement will help Suffolk businesses access tailored support to explore opportunities in India, navigate regulations, and connect with trusted partners.

The visit reinforces Suffolk’s role as a strategic gateway for global trade and investment, reflecting the Chamber’s commitment to helping local businesses seize international opportunities and strengthen their export potential. By building these connections, Suffolk is positioning itself as a county that not only drives innovation at home but also plays an active role in shaping the future of international commerce. This engagement with the Indian High Commission marks a significant step forward in creating new pathways for growth, collaboration, and prosperity for businesses across the region.