Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has been honoured with the Special Award for Exceptional Leadership in Elevating UK-India Relations at the Annual UK-India Awards 2026 in London, recognising his contribution towards strengthening ties between India and the United Kingdom.
Addressing a gathering of more than 300 policymakers and industry leaders, Piyush Goyal said the partnership between the two countries is entering a new phase with opportunities across multiple sectors.
“Truly honoured to have received the Special Award for Exceptional Leadership in Elevating UK-India Relations at the Annual UK-India Awards 2026 in London,” Goyal said. He added that the honour reflects the efforts of people working across different fields to strengthen the relationship between the two nations.
This recognition belongs to the many bridge-builders across governments, businesses, academia, culture, and our vibrant diaspora who continue to strengthen India-UK ties, he said.
“The best innings of the India-UK partnership are yet to come,” Goyal said, underlining the potential for deeper cooperation.
Truly honoured to have received the Special Award for Exceptional Leadership in Elevating UK-India Relations at the Annual UK-India Awards 2026 in London.
This recognition belongs to the many bridge-builders across governments, businesses, academia, culture, and our vibrant… pic.twitter.com/4bdxZMMYh0
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) June 26, 2026
Focus on trade, technology and innovation
Goyal said India’s growth story under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened new avenues for collaboration with the United Kingdom in areas including trade, innovation, technology and education.
“Under the decisive leadership of PM Narendra Modi, India’s growth story offers unprecedented opportunities for collaboration across trade, innovation, technology, education, and emerging sectors,” he stated.
The minister highlighted that stronger economic engagement, expanding business partnerships and increasing people-to-people connections are shaping the next chapter of India-UK relations.
The minister also congratulated other award recipients for their contributions towards further enriching the India-UK partnership. Emphasising the momentum in ties between the two countries, Goyal said the evolving relationship is being driven by cooperation across strategic, economic and technological areas.
The recognition comes at a time when India-UK relations are witnessing greater economic and strategic engagement, with the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) set to take effect from July 15.
The India-UK CETA is focused on bringing the best of both countries to each other. 🇮🇳🤝🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/4YDyX6QRhm
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) June 26, 2026