One of the world’s leading experts on UK-India trade relations is to join India Business Group as a senior advisor.

David Landsman OBE is renowned globally as one of the foremost minds in counselling international companies in how to create business opportunities between the two countries. For the last seven years he was on the Group Board of the UK India Business Council. 

IBG’s chair, Lord Patel of Bradford OBE said, “We are so fortunate to count on the expertise and insights David can provide. With Brexit talks, cheaper trade potential between two Commonwealth countries, and the Prime Minister’s race commission at a time when Black Lives Matter, this confluence provides a great opportunity to cement that living bridge between India and the UK.

“David knows both countries well. As the former executive director of Tata Limited, the UK-based base of a global brand name, we know he will add to IBG’s already impressive team of experts who can proactively provide thought leadership, pragmatic strategic advice and practical frameworks to ensure trade success.

“As we hopefully come out of this pandemic, now is the time for UK and Indian companies to look for opportunities which will put them ahead of the business curve.”

Landsman is a senior adviser at DRD Partnership, the strategic communications consultancy. He also serves as chair of the British-Serbian Chamber of Commerce; director of DocuChain (SaaS), and, among other appointments, he is on the international advisory board of the London Institute of Banking and Finance.  

“I’m excited by the opportunity to continue supporting Indian business in the UK and vice-versa,” said Landsman. “I’ve long believed that India and the UK have the potential to create a world-leading economic and trade relationship across multiple sectors.   Engagement is key, which is how the team at IBG is particularly well placed to create new and exciting synergies.

“It’s good to see the two governments working together to make trade and investment between the two countries easier, with the aim of concluding a Free Trade Agreement.   IBG has the expertise to help business in both countries leverage consistently improving relations.”

Last week’s virtual Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) ministerial meeting was a starting point to creating a trade roadmap. It was led by Indian minister of commerce and industry, Piyush Goyal, and Liz Truss MP, the UK’s International trade secretary. It is hoped the meeting will secure mechanisms which make it easier for bilateral trade and partnerships in both markets.

“All eyes will be focused on that ministerial meeting,” said Patel. “It’s an important continuation of everything our two nations are doing. What we need to ensure is a tighter alignment of the strategy which increases trade between UK and India, and David is one of the finest minds to help IBG put voice to thought.”