Opinion Cool down, Britannia

British PM Theresa May’s visit could offer India an opportunity to emphasise that free trade goes beyond inanimate goods, to empowering people with liberal opportunities. (Source: AP Photo)

India will soon welcome British Prime Minister Theresa May on her first visit outside Europe. However, there is a chill in the bilateral air, once encompassing rich ideas, lives and livelihoods shared between India and Britain. In 2005, the bilateral relationship was titled a “Strategic Partnership”, and in 2010, an “Enhanced Partnership”. In 2015, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Britain, a vision statement reaffirmed Indo-British ties. But now, for India, the relationship needs meaningful actions, and not just formal words.

Britain’s recent actions have not caused India to feel cherished. Sudden uncertainties stem from Britain’s own uneasy redefinition of itself. Brexit marked a sea change, with the famously open island nation quitting an important collective. British restrictions now impact Indian workers on Tier 2 visas (Intra-Company Transfer category, widely applicable to Indian IT firms) who, following five years in Britain, must show a considerably higher minimum income threshold to remain. Indian students — already facing slashed scholarships, and once-high Indian student numbers in Britain declining sharply — are also impacted. Britain has rejected reintroducing the Tier 1 post-study work visa, allowing Indian students to work in Britain for two years. Now, Tier 2 (General) visa employment procedures for non-European Economic Area applicants include employers conducting a test to confirm that local skills can’t do the job.

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But this will also impact the nature of Britain itself. Post-colonial Britain evolved, slowly and painfully, from perceptions of “cruel” to “cool”, powered by Indians enlivening British labour and trade, skilled professions, universities, etc. A rich brew of music, writing and art mirrored energetic, colourful ties, the relationship warm enough for Britain to lovingly vote curry as its favourite food. But given the seemingly narrower worldview of Britain today — racist crimes have surged since Brexit — these rich ties could be cut down. That wouldn’t augur well for the trade agreements May wishes to accomplish with India now. May’s visit could offer India an opportunity to emphasise that free trade goes beyond inanimate goods, to empowering people with liberal opportunities. For better shared benefits and warmer ties, Britain should relax its stiffening upper lip.