Indian students are not only the largest international student community in the United Kingdom but also among its brightest minds, Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami said, underscoring their growing influence in strengthening India–UK ties.

Speaking at a special welcome reception hosted in association with King’s College London recently, Doraiswami celebrated the achievements and aspirations of hundreds of Indian students embarking on a new academic chapter in Britain. The event, live-streamed across Indian consulates in the UK, marked an annual tradition that began in 2023.

“The Indian student community is the largest for the third year running, at 166,000 students across the UK,” Doraiswami noted. “Our students are among the brightest and the best, and their presence here is a reflection of what they bring—not only academically and socially, but also economically. Your presence supports businesses and adds tremendous value to both nations.”

Doraiswami highlighted the economic and intellectual impact of Indian students on the UK’s higher education ecosystem, noting their contribution through tuition fees, research, and their long-term role as “connective tissue” in the evolving partnership between the two democracies.

“It is of considerable value that the India–UK relationship is being carried forward by young people—the future custodians of our democracies,” he said.

The reception also featured informative sessions on banking, safety, and healthcare for new arrivals, blending practical guidance with cultural exchange. The evening concluded with a stand-up performance by British-Indian comedian Ahir Shah and a series of lively cultural performances, celebrating the shared spirit of learning and community.

As the UK continues to attract record numbers of Indian students, Doraiswami’s message resonated as both a tribute and a call—to see education not just as an opportunity, but as a bridge between nations.