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Journalism of Courage
A public servant for 25 years, Christina Scott is currently the Minister and Deputy High Commissioner to India at the British High Commission. She has been living in Delhi ever since she took charge of the position in October 2022. Scott loves the colourful auto rides in the city, apart from the diverse cuisines that it offers.
She was previously the Deputy Ambassador to China (September 2018 to July 2022). Prior to that, she served as Her Majesty’s Governor of Anguilla, British West Indies (2013 to 2017). She has served in various positions in the government in the United Kingdom and European Commission. Other former roles include Director of the Civil Contingencies Secretariat in the Cabinet Office (2009 to 2013), Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, 10 Downing Street (2006 to 2009), and Principal Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Transport (2005 to 2006).
She speaks to The Indian Express as part of a series of interviews with Ambassadors about Delhi — their home. Excerpts:
What is the one place in the city that you love to visit often?
It is hard to pick a favourite spot, but Delhi’s green spaces have been a real highlight. Nehru Park, Sunder Nursery, Lodhi Gardens, and Kartavya Path — all so beautifully maintained and the perfect places to enjoy an evening stroll.
But I’ve also relished exploring beyond Delhi — 31 of India’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Hampi, Ajanta and Ellora stand-out as truly extraordinary. I’m going to have to return to visit the remaining 13 UNESCO sites.
What are the three things that stood out during your stay in Delhi?
A tough question! Diwali in Delhi is unforgettable — the city comes alive with lights and energy. Many professional moments too have been memorable. For example, joining Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar for the signing of the agreement to launch the University of Southampton’s campus in Delhi- NCR. A brilliant example of our strengthening UK-India educational ties.
Finally, the G20 under India’s Presidency, culminating in the Delhi summit, showcased India’s leadership and unrivalled hospitality to the world.
Any special memories or encounters related to Delhi that will always stay with you?
Meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji twice with the UK’s Foreign Secretary was an honour. Of course, working with my fantastic colleagues at the British High Commission has been very rewarding. Together, we’ve worked to move the UK-India relationship from strength to strength, exemplified by our new FTA (free trade agreement) and the recent visit by our Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
On a lighter note, there’s an early-rising peacock that decided to make my garden his home. He hammers away on my window as the sun rises almost every day, and (that) is a noisy wake-up call. I’ll miss him too. The koel calls at 5 am, perhaps less so!
Favourite food in the city?
I’ve loved all of it – dosas for breakfast, late-night biryani, and so many sweets during so many festivals. And I’ve definitely eaten my body weight in paneer (cottage cheese). I’ll miss Delhi food but London’s many excellent Indian restaurants will keep me from being too homesick for Delhi.
What will you miss about Delhi when you bid goodbye to the city?
That would be the lovely and colourful auto rides. Everyone who’s visited me has been on one and loved it. I wish I could take an electric tuk-tuk back to the United Kingdom.
If you have to introduce Delhi to someone back home, how would you do it?
Delhi is a city of contrasts — modern yet ancient, surprisingly green, and always bustling. It is the heart of vibrant, diverse, colourful and ambitious India. For me, Delhi captures India’s spirit beautifully. A place of energy, growth, excitement and ‘hustle’.
How is Delhi different from the other places where you have worked?
I’ve worked for the UK government in Beijing and Brussels, and also in the Caribbean. Delhi’s scale, rapid growth, and dynamic energy set it apart from anywhere I have lived.
Any suggestions you would like to give to the administrators to make the city better?
The city is continually evolving. Delhi’s rapid development is impressive, but challenges like traffic and quality infrastructure remain. That’s not surprising given the size of the challenge the authorities have in terms of population. Delhi is home to nearly a third of the UK’s entire population. So with any city this massive, challenges are to be expected.
Does pollution in Delhi bother you? How do you and your family deal with it?
Winter air quality is tough, but I’m encouraged by new infrastructure and policies to promote the use of electric vehicles in the city. I’ve used an EV since I first arrived and I’m glad to see so many more green number plates around Delhi nowadays.
