02.02.2025: Duke of Edinburgh Prince Edward meets Maharashtra Governor; discusses ideas for more collaboration
Duke of Edinburgh Prince Edward meets Maharashtra Governor; discusses ideas for more collaboration
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh Prince Edward met Governor of Maharashtra and Chancellor of state universities C P Radhakrishnan during a courtesy call at Raj Bhavan Mumbai on Sun (2 Feb).
Prince Edward, the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip and the youngest sibling of King Charles III expressed satisfaction at how India and UK relations are strengthening, and the UK’s desire to see more collaboration between India and UK.
Mentioning that he himself is the Chancellor of the University of Bath in the UK, the Prince said cooperation in the field of education could prove mutually rewarding.
The Prince, who champions the Duke of Edinburgh Award, also observed the importance of vocational education and training, as well as what is learned outside the classroom.
Prince Edward shared with the Governor that he will witness the toss before the T20 match between India and England played in Mumbai on Sunday evening.
Welcoming the Duke to Maharashtra, Governor Radhakrishnan said India and the United Kingdom are two of the greatest democracies in the world.
Stating that the people of India feel ‘almost at home’ while in London, the Governor said higher education is definitely one area where the two countries can work together. He remarked that it is easy for Indian students to get adapted to the education system in the UK.
The Governor said apart from cooperation in the areas of Green Energy and Pharma Sector, India can benefit from the cooperation in the field of Hospital Management, noting that Hospital management in the UK was ‘one of the best’.
The Governor said in his role as Chancellor of Universities in Maharashtra, he would ask vice chancellors to enter into MoUs with universities in the UK.
Stating that India is emerging as the most powerful economy in the world, the Governor said strong trade relations between India and the United Kingdom will strengthen overall relations in many other areas.
The Governor spoke of the need to sign a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries.
An idea to have a Commonwealth Festival of Business and a Festival of Culture alongside the existing Commonwealth Festival of Sports was discussed.
Stating that football and cricket are very popular in India, the Governor said the UK should help to bring football development to India in a big way.
The Duke of Edinburgh observed that cricket has grown ‘phenomenally’ since the IPL, he also applauded India’s excellence in Badminton.
Deputy High Commissioner of the United Kingdom for Western India and Trade Commissioner for South Asia Harjinder Kang, Private Secretary to The Duke – Alex Potts, and Head of Political and Bilateral Affairs John Nickell were present.