Introduce yourself in three words or phrases.
Strategic advisor, connector, UK-India bridge-builder.
What do you like most about your job?
I am deeply passionate about cultivating global partnerships across diverse sectors, including business, law, government and education – while fostering meaningful relationships with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Whether advising corporations on market entry or facilitating cross-border investments, I’m committed to designing strategies that drive institutional collaboration and generate long-term value.
At the India Business Group (IBG), each day presents an opportunity to create meaningful impact, working alongside a dedicated team of experts and analysts.
Best work trip/Worst work trip?
Best work trip: In February 2013, when I was honoured to be one of only two UK lawyers selected to accompany then Prime Minister, David Cameron, on his official trade delegation to India.
Our itinerary included a day of high-profile engagements in Delhi, a day in Mumbai and a short visit to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab (a spiritual pilgrimage for me as a Sikh).
This invaluable trip provided key insights, facilitated new relationships, offered opportunities to participate in roundtable discussions with policymakers, officials and highlighted IBG’s significant role in facilitating UK–India business relations.
Worst: In stark contrast, I endured a frustrating experience during the monsoon while stranded at Mumbai airport. After waiting several hours for my flight, I became a strong advocate for strategic travel planning!
If you could learn a language instantly, which would you pick and why?
I would choose German, especially as IBG expands its advisory services across Europe and the growing bilateral business, trade and investment ties between Germany and India.
What makes you get up in the morning?
Three key factors drive me: empowering clients and partners to achieve their goals; the excitement of navigating an ever-evolving global landscape and deepening the ‘Living Bridge’ between the UK and India.
Beyond my professional life, my family and friends are my cornerstone, providing unwavering motivation and support.
Champion/cheerleader which we should all follow and why?
Mahatma Gandhi: A remarkable beacon of leadership, Gandhi’s teachings and core values advocate for peace, justice, compassion and sustainable living. His profound influence continues to inspire and resonate in today’s multifaceted world, reminding us of the power of non-violent resistance and moral integrity.
Best international ed conference and why
The QS India Summit 2025, held from 27 to 29 January in Goa, stands out for several reasons. It brought together over 500 senior policymakers, officials, global university leaders and experts to address real-world challenges. Instead of merely exchanging ideas, the focus was on co-developing impactful solutions and fostering innovative partnerships across borders.
IBG proudly supported the Summit as a ‘strategic partner’ and it’s where we’ve developed some of our most significant international connections within the higher education sector. The highlight was when our esteemed chairman, Lord Patel of Bradford OBE delivered a keynote address underscoring the importance of forming sustainable and mutually beneficial collaborations.
Worst conference food/beverage experience
A Delhi summit offering an array of “fusion snacks” that left many bewildered. The culinary experimentation resulted in a confusing mix of flavours that did not resonate with even the most adventurous palates.
Book or podcast recommendation for others in the sector?
Book – “Good Strategy/Bad Strategy” by Richard Rumelt, often regarded as “a giant in the field of strategy”. His approach cuts through the noise to offer a compelling framework for developing action-orientated strategies that drive meaningful results.
Describe a project or initiative you’re currently working on that excites you.
India Business Group is delighted to be working with the University of Southampton on establishing its India branch campus, as one of its key strategic advisory partners.
In August 2024, the University of Southampton became the first university globally to be granted a letter of intent to establish a foreign branch campus in India under the National Education Policy and the campus is all set to welcome its first cohort of students in August 2025.
This landmark development marks a significant milestone in UK-India relations and will undoubtedly advance India’s aspirations of becoming a global knowledge superpower and talent hub.
Working closely with the university’s senior leadership team, I’ve been actively involved in stakeholder engagement, industry liaison and the cultivation of strategic business connections. As an alumnus of the university, this transformative initiative is both personally and professionally rewarding.
