Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, the first turban-wearing Sikh elected Member of Parliament in Britain, had a productive meeting in the UK Parliament with Caroline Rowett, the British Deputy High Commissioner to India based in Chandigarh.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Dhesi informed that he had discussed a wide array of topics aimed at strengthening ties, trade, and tourism between both nations; as well as the concerns of the diaspora around land disputes, British nationals imprisoned abroad and respect for human rights. Of particular importance was the urgent need for starting more direct flights between the UK and the Punjab at Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh”, he added.
Dhesi reiterated that he has been tirelessly advocating for direct air connectivity between the UK and the Punjab over many years with different international airlines, besides the government of India, as well as with the Punjab government. He emphasised that such direct flights would greatly benefit the large NRI community residing in the UK and Europe, enabling them to conveniently visit their families and relatives in Punjab.
Moreover, improved air connectivity with the North region of India would facilitate seamless travel options for passengers from Northern states, allowing them to easily reunite with their loved ones residing abroad.
Highlighting the significance of this demand in a statement issued here, Dhesi stated, "It's not just a matter of convenience but a genuine necessity, as the public on both sides has consistently expressed their desire to establish direct flights connecting the Punjab and the UK.
We also need cheaper fares to ensure that everyone can afford to travel." The initiation of direct air routes between these destinations would not only enhance people-to-people contact, but also foster economic growth, cultural exchange and tourism opportunities for both regions.
Dhesi further added that such air connectivity would open up new avenues for trade and collaboration between the Punjab and the UK. "It’s good that we have a small number of direct flights every week between Amritsar and both London Gatwick and Birmingham, but we also need daily flights between London Heathrow and Amritsar, since Heathrow is the major hub for connectivity to other destinations in North America.
It will also facilitate the exchange of goods, services, and investments, thereby strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two regions", he emphasised. Mentionably, British MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi's meeting with Deputy High Commissioner Caroline Rowett reflects his unwavering commitment to address the pressing need for enhanced air connectivity between Britain and the Indian state of Punjab.
With a genuine demand from the public on both sides, Dhesi's advocacy aims to bridge distances and foster closer ties, benefiting both the NRI community and passengers from North India