Mr Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford has been appointed as the new British Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai. He succeeds Mr Bharat Joshi, who recently left Chennai.

Mr Pilmore-Bedford said, “It is a privilege to represent the UK in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala. Tamil Nadu accounts for 8% of India’s GDP – with annual growth of over 8%, making it the 2nd largest state economy after Maharashtra and 2nd most attractive for doing business.

Kerala is envied globally for its high social development ratings and attracts the largest number of British tourists among states in India.”

Elaborating on Trade, Investment & Prosperity work from Chennai Mr Pilmore-Bedford said, “We support Indo-UK business links with with a focus on future-tech, automotive/advanced manufacturing, healthcare and attracting high-value investment to the UK. My immediate priority is to encourage partners from Tamil Nadu & Kerala with interest or expertise in AI/data, future mobility, fintech, cybersecurity, future health-tech to actively participate in our Future Tech Festival in Delhi in December 2018.”

Mr Pimore-Bedford added, “India is our biggest visa operation world-wide and Chennai serves South India & Sri Lanka through 7 Visa Application Centres (VACs) in the region. Our Consular team serves British nationals living in or travelling through South India. Our Public Affairs team has led pan-India projects driven by Indian civil society to address violence against women and children.”

“British Council in Chennai has links across South India in English Language/Teacher training, NextGen outreach including support to youth employability. Many UK alumni here are friends of the High Commission helping us expand links in school and higher education, research and skills/training.” he added.

Further information is here https://www.gov.uk/government/news/call-for-sponsors-and-partners-for-india-uk-futuretech-festival