‘King Charles III’s affection for India is well-known’ | Delhi News

On a cool October evening, the British High Commissioner threw a party for King Charles III’s birthday for the diplomatic circle in the city. With Navratri bites, a live food counter, and music, the evening was complete with a dance floor to wrap up the festivities. It also marked the final event hosted by current High Commissioner Lindy Cameron before she heads back to the UK. A delegation of UK cabinet ministers and mayors was also in attendance.

I will miss India tremendously: Lindy CameronReflecting the fusion of the two cultures, the menu featured pairings such as vanilla ice cream with gulkand, Dal pakwan shortbread, and British potato salad. Guests also enjoyed a spread of canapes and sweet treats. Adding to the evening’s culinary highlights was a live cooking experience by chef Vineet Bhatia.Starting with a warm ‘Namaste doston’, Lindy Cameron addressed the gathering, “Tonight is a celebration of His Majesty the King, of friendship, and of a very bright future for UK-India partnership. As our landmark economic and trade agreement entered into force, I am proud that you can see that future in action. As we celebrate His Majesty King Charles’ birthday and our national day, we also celebrate a future full of opportunity.” She added, “I wish I could be here to see that partnership grow further, but after two and a half fabulous years in India, I’ll be returning to the UK shortly to become the new permanent undersecretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. I will miss you all and India tremendously, more than I can tell you.”

‘There’s a natural gravitational pull between UK & India’Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister for Science, Technology and Earth Sciences, who was the chief guest of the event, said, “It’s a privilege to be here on the national day and to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty. Our countries have a legacy which shares common cultural ties. When we have a bonhomie and a natural bond happening, everything becomes easier, even doing business. Our relationship has grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade because India has been able to elicit confidence in stability in fellow nations. And the bond existing between the UK and India has also strengthened in more ways than one. It goes beyond the trade matrix.”Referring to the UK-India Trade Deal which was brought into effect in July of this year, Jonathan Reynolds, UK Business and Trade Secretary, said, “There’s a natural gravitational pull between the UK and India. And His Majesty The King has played his own part in nurturing that relationship. Throughout his public life, the King has been an extraordinary ambassador for the United Kingdom overseas. His affection for India is well-known, and across ten official visits, he has built his own deep and enduring relationship with this country.”

I met my wife in Delhi: Ben MellorAs Lindy Cameron departs India, Ben Mellor, deputy High Commissioner, will be taking over as the interim High Commissioner. Speaking to us at the reception, he said, “I actually first lived here about 25 years ago. I was here for four years; it’s actually where I met my wife. Delhi has changed in all those years; it’s a whole different place, but it’s lovely to be back. We’re really happy to be meeting old friends and making new ones. It’s a fantastic place to celebrate the King’s birthday. His Majesty is a massive fan of India and of the UK-India relationship. The only thing better than celebrating his birthday here would be if he were able to come to India himself to celebrate. It’s an honour to be a small part of his celebration.”