In this episode of Common Grounds: India–UK Series, Lakshmi Kaul, Contributing Editor is in conversation with Aniruddha Kaprekar, Co-Founder of Tech India Advocates, for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation on the evolving relationship between India and the United Kingdom. From the rise of Manchester as a key node in the UK’s Northern Powerhouse to the growing footprint of Indian diaspora communities across the North of England, this episode explores how regional dynamics are reshaping the India–UK partnership beyond London. Aniruddha shares insights on emerging opportunities, particularly in manufacturing, trade, and innovation, as both countries look to strengthen economic collaboration and boost exports. The conversation also dives into the power of creative industries as a bridge between nations, examining how film, media, sports, and the arts shape narratives, influence perception, and build soft power. The interview reflects on the challenges of representation, the “battle of narratives,” and how India is portrayed in global creative spaces. A key highlight of the episode is the idea of the “New India”- how it is being projected globally, especially through platforms like Tech India Advocates, and whether it reflects a real shift or an aspirational vision. The interview also touches on the impact of geopolitics on connectivity, collaboration, and innovation, offering a nuanced take on navigating uncertainty in today’s world. Finally, the episode addresses one of the most pressing questions of our time: with more individuals choosing entrepreneurship over traditional employment, what does it really take to succeed? This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in: India–UK relations and global partnerships Entrepreneurship, startups, and innovation ecosystems Creative industries and soft power Diaspora, identity, and global narratives The future of work and evolving career paths 📌 About the Series: Common Grounds: India–UK Series brings together leaders, thinkers, and changemakers to explore shared opportunities, challenges, and stories shaping the India–UK corridor. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of policy, culture, and innovation. Chapters- 0:00-1:27 Opening 1:41-4:35 From Mumbai to Manchester: The Story Behind the Journey 4:55-8:11 India’s Impact in Northern England 8:22-10:59 The Evolving India UK Relationship 11:34-16:21 Creative Industries as a Bridge 16:56-19:10 Addressing Stereotypes in Creative Narratives 19:23-23:54 The Idea of New India 24:31-27:30 Building the Future in Uncertain Times 28:23-32:53 Entrepreneurship in a Changing World 33:19-35:07 Looking Ahead: Future Endeavours 35:20-37:15 A Poetic Reflection 37:17-38:08 Closing #IndiaUK #Entrepreneurship #TechIndiaAdvocates #SoftPower #CreativeIndustries #Startups #GlobalConversations #CommonGrounds

Baroness Sandip Verma says decision-making is still controlled by a small, largely unchallenged group, with women’s voices missing—resulting in more aggressive approaches instead of more balanced, dialogue-driven leadership. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7iMjLlqbkQ

Baroness Sandip Verma shares that seeing young Ugandan Asian refugees face displacement and abuse in Leicester deeply impacted her as a child, driving her to stand up for others and shaping her strong, resilient character. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7iMjLlqbkQ

Baroness Sandip Verma says the digital/AI era creates inequality and unchecked power for a few (bad), enables global connectivity and opportunity (good), but also fuels misinformation and interference across societies (ugly). Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7iMjLlqbkQ

In this episode of Common Grounds: India–UK Series, Lakshmi Kaul, Contributing Editor, sits down with Baroness Sandip Verma for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation on leadership, identity, and the evolving global landscape. From the journey of the Indian diaspora in the UK—particularly the legacy of Ugandan Asians who rebuilt their lives from scratch to the realities of navigating public life as a woman of colour, this discussion reflects on resilience, ambition, and breaking barriers in business and politics. The conversation also explores pressing contemporary themes: the changing world of work, sectoral shifts in the economy, and the opportunities and risks presented by artificial intelligence. With a unique vantage point from Parliament and across industries, Baroness Verma shares insights on governance, innovation, and the responsibility of leadership in times of rapid transformation. At its core, this episode is a reflection on how societies evolve and how individuals and communities find strength, purpose, and resilience through change. Chapters - 0:00-1:20 Opening 1:45-5:47 Migration to the UK and Political Activism 6:16-10:27 Navigating Business, Politics and Identity in the UK 11:32-14:32 The Indian Diaspora: Challenges and Opportunities 15:19-18:23 Reflections on Current Political Climate 19:22- 23:17 Growth Sectors and Future Opportunities 24:27-28:01 Governance and Ethics in AI 28:55-32:24 The Changing World of Work: Technology, Talent, and Transition 33:06-35:41 Future Endeavour 35:43-36:34 Closing #CommonGrounds #IndiaUK #Leadership #IndianDiaspora #WomenInLeadership #FutureOfWork #ArtificialIntelligence #UKPolitics #BusinessInsights #GlobalConversations

M. J. Akbar, former Minister of State for External Affairs and eminent author, said that India’s diplomacy is rooted in a philosophy of balance rather than power politics, giving it credibility with all sides—including Iran—and positioning it to play a constructive role in shaping the global order. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjueiC7Fk9U

Watch the full conversation - https://youtu.be/J5pLxfgd8_Y #Iran #UAE #MiddleEast #WestAsia #Geopolitics #GlobalOrder #ForeignPolicy #StrategicAffairs #InternationalRelations #SecurityStudies #RegionalSecurity #WorldPolitics #PolicyAnalysis

Watch the full conversation - https://youtu.be/J5pLxfgd8_Y #Iran #StraitOfHormuz #Geopolitics #WestAsia #MiddleEast #GlobalOrder #ForeignPolicy #StrategicAffairs #InternationalRelations #SecurityStudies #IranCrisis #WorldPolitics #PolicyAnalysis