In his address to the conference, which brought together key players from London’s Indian businesses and notable speakers from India in 1 September 2004, the Mayor Ken Livingstone paid tribute to the substantial contribution London’s Indian community makes to London’s economy, culture and creative industries. Greater London Authority statistics reveal that there are over 10,000 Indian-owned businesses in London, around three per cent of all businesses. In 2002, Indian-owned businesses in London employed almost 49,000 people and had a turnover of over £8 billion.

According to the Mayor, the Indian presence within London’s economy is a huge asset and has the potential to forge and sustain links between London and India - which is set to become the third most powerful economy in the world by 2050. He said "the capital has a strategic position as the gateway to Europe for India, due to its Indian population and investment by Indian-based companies. London is also empathetic to Indian culture, with the largest Hindu and Sikh temples outside India situated in the capital."

Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, added: “London’s Indian community makes up six per cent of the total population. The community’s success is apparent through their strong socio–economic position, business success, role in the creative industry sector, levels of educational achievement and contribution to health services and culture. London is the hub of the Indian community and culture in Europe, and home to the largest Hindu and Sikh temples outside India. In February 2004, 18 Indian companies were listed on the London Stock Exchange. We should work together to forge and sustain this unique link – London is India’s gateway to Europe.

Indian culture has made a huge impact on music, theatre and film in London. Selfridges has featured Bollywood as major theme in their flagship London store and Bombay Dreams, which is now being staged in New York, was one of the most popular theatre productions in London. The capital also recently hosted a hugely successful Mela, which attracted crowds of 80,000 from all communities.

Links between London and India also generate London jobs. According to GLA Economics, London’s exports to India are an estimated £200 million to £300 million of services and £50 million to £100 million of goods providing in the region of 5,000 to 10,000 London jobs. "

However, the Mayor argued that progress still needed to be made on Indian political representation in London. Currently, there is an under-representation of Indians at various levels in public life. London only has one Indian MP and there are no Indians as Council leaders or any Indian members of the London Assembly.

There is also under-representation on boards of public bodies. The Mayor wants London’s governance to reflect its diverse population.

Speakers sharing the platform with the Mayor included:

· Satyabrata Pal – the Deputy High Commissioner of India

· Vijai Kapur – Past Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry Northern Region and Managing Partner Salariya Shipping and Cargo Ltd

· Lord Paul – Chairman, Caparo Ltd

The Deputy High Commissioner of India opened the conference which was held at City Hall in London on 1st September 2004. The conference also provides a forum for members of London’s Indian business, arts and cultural bodies and community organisations to discuss key policy issues affecting them. Music DJ’s Bobby Friction and Nihal hosted a debate on Accessing London’s creative industries.