From Commerce to Creativity: Piyush Goyal, Jonathan Reynolds, AR Rahman to headline IGF London 2025

India Global Forum's (IGF) flagship event in the United Kingdom, IGF London 2025, is set to commence from June 18 to 20 with a landmark conversation between India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds. This will be the first joint public session between the two trade ministers after the finalisation of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The high-profile discussion at IGF London 2025 will chart the implementation strategy of the FTA and explore how the deal can unlock new economic potential between India and the UK. The session is expected to set a strategic vision for bilateral cooperation and elevate India-UK ties as a global benchmark in trade, innovation, and diplomacy.

People, Ideas, and Institutions Driving Impact

Manoj Ladwa, Founder and Chairman of India Global Forum, remarked,"The UK-India relationship is entering a new era, no longer defined by intent, but by rapid implementation. The Free Trade Agreement is a catalyst, but the true strength of this partnership lies in the people, ideas, and institutions that will bring it to life."

The three-day forum will also launch Grant Thornton's India Meets Britain Tracker, in collaboration with CII and India Global Forum. This report showcases the fastest-growing Indian-owned businesses in the UK, offering insights into investment trends, economic impact, and future opportunities in the post-FTA era.

Celebrating Creativity, Innovation, and Culture

One of the literary highlights includes the announcement of the winner of the IGF Archer Amish Award for Storytellers. This prestigious global fiction prize, created in partnership with Jeffrey Archer and Amish Tripathi, celebrates Indian authors capturing the modern Indian experience through fiction.

On Day 2, the spotlight shifts to science and technology, featuring a keynote by Lord Patrick Vallance, the UK's Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation. The session will focus on areas like quantum tech, pandemic preparedness, energy transition, and digital public infrastructure-fields where UK's research excellence meets India's innovation strength.

Culture, Spirituality, and Music Take Centre Stage

The Culture & Creativity Forum returns on Day 3 with a fresh lens on how post-FTA cultural exchanges are shaping innovation and influence. Featuring leading creatives from India and the UK, the session explores the evolving narratives of power and identity.

In a unique session, spiritual leader and sustainability thinker Gauranga Das will speak about how ancient Indian philosophies are guiding modern leadership, productivity, and purpose in the digital era.

The forum concludes with a rare and intimate conversation with music legend AR Rahman. From Oscar-winning compositions to technological innovations in sound, Rahman will delve into the future of music, blending tradition with modernity.

IGF London 2025 marks a turning point for UK-India relations-not just in trade, but across the creative, cultural, technological, and spiritual landscapes. With the FTA as a foundation, both nations aim to demonstrate how strategic cooperation can evolve into long-lasting global impact.