Vikram Doraiswami described his time in London as a “transformative period” for the bilateral relationship, including the conclusion of the India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Indian High Commissioner to the U.K. Vikram Doraiswami was on Wednesday (April 8, 2026) awarded the Freedom of the City of London for his “outstanding contribution” to strengthening the India-U.K. relationship.

Mr. Doraiswami received the prestigious honour, dating back to the 13th century in celebration of significant achievements in public life, at a ceremony at London’s Guildhall led by the Lady Mayor of the City of London – Dame Susan Langley.

It comes towards the conclusion of his over three-year tenure in the U.K. before he takes up his next post as India’s new ambassador to China.

“It is a singular and profound honour to be accorded the Freedom of the City of London, a distinction that stands as a testament to the heritage of this One Square Mile and its vision for a global future,” said Mr. Doraiswami.

“To be woven into the historic fabric of the city in this way is a gesture I accept with the utmost humility and pride, in the hope that it contributes to realising the extraordinary potential that the Indian economy offers businesses in the City of London for mutually beneficial partnership in an era of great global churn,” he said.

The senior diplomat described his time in London as a “transformative period” for the bilateral relationship, including the conclusion of the India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)