IGF UK‑India Awards 2026 Highlights
India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and the joint UK‑India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiating teams were presented with the Leadership award at the India Global Forum (IGF) UK‑India Awards 2026, held on 25 June 2026 at The Peninsula London. The ceremony also recognised a range of individuals and organisations for a decade of contributions across sectors. Biotechnology pioneer Kiran Mazumdar‑Shaw (Chairperson, Biocon Group) received the Lifetime Contribution to UK‑India Relations award. Banking leader Uday Kotak was honoured for Exceptional Leadership in UK‑India Financial Services via a video message. Grant Thornton was celebrated for a Decade of Contribution to Consulting, while Wockhardt was acknowledged for its Decade of Contribution to Lifesciences and Health Resilience, particularly vaccine infrastructure. The British Asian Trust earned the award for a Decade of Contribution to Social Impact, the British Council for a Decade of Contribution to Education, and the Premier League for a Decade of Contribution to Sports, highlighting its grassroots youth initiatives.
The awards underscored the historic ratification of the UK‑India Free Trade Agreement earlier in the year, with the event’s hosts describing the deal as a template for future FTAs. The gathering brought together senior ministers, high commissioners, diplomats and global business leaders, emphasizing the deepening economic, cultural and strategic partnership between the United Kingdom and India.
Key Figures and Entities
- Piyush Goyal – Minister of Commerce and Industry, India
- UK‑India FTA negotiating teams – joint delegations from both governments
- Kiran Mazumdar‑Shaw – Chairperson, Biocon Group
- Uday Kotak – Founder, Kotak Mahindra Bank
- Grant Thornton – Global consulting firm
- Wockhardt – Pharmaceutical and health‑care company
- British Asian Trust – Charitable organization
- British Council – Cultural and educational institution
- Premier League – English football league
Significance
The ceremony highlighted the successful conclusion of the UK‑India FTA, positioning it as a model for future free‑trade agreements and signalling a new phase of intensified bilateral trade, investment and people‑to‑people links.