Global energy markets were rattled within days of the outbreak of the war between Iran and U.S.-Israel, with oil prices surging sharply amid fears of further supply disruptions. In a brief chat with The Hindu, Shalini Medepalli, the acting British Deputy High Commissioner for Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry, spoke about the unfolding crisis in West Asia, which severely hurts the State as well as other parts of the country, along with its decision to engage with Kerala under the India-U.K. Comprehensive Trade Agreement (CETA),which offers India access to the U.K. market.
The U.K. recently decided to allow the U.S. to use its military bases to strike Iranian missile sites, hours after its base in Cyprus was hit by a drone . Has the U.K. government assessed the impact on the expat population intheGulf, including 3.5 million Keralites?
Firstly, our thoughts are with the innocent people caught up in these events. Of course, the immediate priority is the safety of the U.K. nationals and our staff across the region, restoring regional stability as soon as possible, and acting in the U.K. national interest through calm leadership and diplomacy. We did not get involved in the ‘initial strikes,’ and we are not joining ‘offensive action’ now. Our decision to allow the U.S. to use our bases is in support of ‘defensive action’ to reduce the threat of Iranian retaliation. This is to prevent Iran from firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British nationals’ lives at risk, putting the lives of millions of Indians who live and work in the region at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved.
What role is the U.K. playing in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis?
Ongoing intensive diplomacy and close military coordination are vital in the coming days, and we support action that will help bring a swift resolution to this conflict and an end to Iran’s reckless and escalatory response, including the economic pain Iran is inflicting by targeting oil and gas facilities. The longstanding British principle is that the best way forward for the regime is a negotiated settlement with Iran, where they give up their nuclear ambitions. The Foreign Secretary has been in touch to express the U.K.’s solidarity with partners in the region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait — many of whom have been targeted with Iranian strikes, which we strongly condemn. The Foreign Secretary has also spoken to G7 counterparts. Our priority is to restore regional stability. Civilians must be protected, and our thoughts are with the innocent people affected.
How does the U.K. plan to ensure that tariff reductions under the CETA translate into tangible gains for regional exporters and MSMEs from coastal States like Kerala in India?
Kerala’s seafood exporters, particularly those dealing in shrimp, tuna, and cuttlefish, immediately stand to gain zero-duty access to the U.K. market. This will enhance price competitiveness, increase margins, strengthen demand, and facilitate smoother entry into the U.K. market. Similarly, in the spices segment, especially pepper and cardamom, exporters from Kerala will benefit from duty-free access, reducing costs and supporting higher shipment volumes. Likewise, Indian coffee will enter the U.K. tariff-free from, removing significant cost barriers for producers and enabling faster, more competitive market access.
How will the India–U.K. Free Trade Agreement concretely improve mobility and employment opportunities for skilled professionals from States like Kerala, apart from giving access for the service providers from here to the U.K. markets?
The agreement allocates 1,800 annual U.K. visas for chefs, yoga instructors, classical musicians, and other service providers. This creates a great opportunity for Kerala’s wellness and hospitality sectors. Further, the agreement establishes a time-bound framework for Mutual Recognition of Qualifications (MRQs) in regulated professions, improving prospects for Kerala’s professionals in the U.K. job market.
