Bhubaneswar: The United Kingdom is looking to expand its trade and investment footprint in Odisha, with a renewed focus on energy, infrastructure, critical minerals, skills development and sports following the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The roadmap for deeper engagement was discussed during a meeting between British Deputy High Commissioner to Kolkata, Dr Andrew Fleming, and Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo at Lok Seva Bhawan on Tuesday. The discussions centred on unlocking new opportunities for bilateral trade and investment while strengthening economic ties between the UK and the eastern state.
Officials said both sides explored ways to leverage the India-UK FTA to attract greater British investments into Odisha and enhance collaboration in sectors that are central to the state’s industrial and economic growth. They also exchanged views on promoting sustainable development and expanding people-to-people ties in line with Odisha’s vision of Viksit Odisha.
Describing Odisha as one of India’s fastest-growing states, Dr Fleming said it was his 18th visit to the state, underlining his long association with the region. He praised Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and acknowledged the rapid strides it has made in infrastructure and economic development.
The British Deputy High Commissioner was accompanied by Sandip Chaudhuri, Head of Investment (Eastern India), Department for Business and Trade, Kolkata, and Swarnamayee Satapathy, Assistant Communications, Events & Visits Officer, British Deputy High Commission.
Senior Odisha government officials, including Vishal Kumar Dev, Additional Chief Secretary (Energy); Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, CMD, OPTCL; Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment; and Dr Satyapriya Rath, Managing Director, GRIDCO, were present during the meeting.
The visit signals the UK’s growing interest in strengthening its engagement with Odisha, particularly as the India-UK FTA is expected to open up new avenues for trade, investment, technology collaboration and skills partnerships.
With Odisha emerging as a key destination for industrial investments and clean energy initiatives, both sides expressed optimism about translating the renewed momentum into long-term economic cooperation.
