High Commission of India in London

Embassy of India in London, United Kingdom

EmbassyIndiaLondonUnited Kingdom

Overview

The High Commission of India in London serves as India's principal diplomatic mission in the United Kingdom, housed in the historic India House building on Aldwych in central London, near the Royal Courts of Justice and the Strand. The High Commission provides consular services to Indian nationals throughout the UK, processes visa applications for UK residents traveling to India, and facilitates bilateral relations between India and the United Kingdom in areas including trade, defense cooperation, technology partnership, scientific research, cultural exchange, education, and diaspora engagement. India and the UK share a historic relationship enhanced by the Living Bridge partnership covering democratic values, Commonwealth membership, people-to-people links, and strategic cooperation. The UK is home to a large and influential Indian diaspora of approximately 1.8 million people (largest Indian community outside India), making significant contributions to British society, economy, politics, business, academia, medicine, technology, arts, and culture. The Indian community in the UK includes long-established families dating to pre-independence migration, professionals who arrived post-1960s, students (the UK is a top study destination for Indian students), entrepreneurs, and recent arrivals. Major concentrations exist in London (particularly areas like Southall, Wembley, Harrow), Leicester, Birmingham, Manchester, and other cities.
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Visa Services

British citizens require a visa to enter India for all purposes including tourism, business, medical treatment, conferences, and family visits. India offers several visa categories through its e-Visa system (electronic visa) and traditional visa application process. The e-Visa is available for tourism, business, medical treatment, medical attendant, and conference purposes, allowing eligible British travelers to apply online without visiting the High Commission. E-Visas are processed electronically and typically approved within 2-4 business days for most applicants. Traditional visa applications for longer stays, work, study, research, journalism, employment, or other special purposes require submission through the High Commission's online appointment system. All visa applications must be booked online through the official appointment portal at hcilondon.gov.in. The High Commission does not provide status updates on e-Visa applications as these are processed centrally in India. Applicants must submit required documentation including passport with minimum 6 months validity, ICAO compliant photographs, travel itinerary, proof of financial means, and purpose-specific documents. Processing times vary by visa category: e-Visas typically within 2-4 days, regular tourist/business visas within 3-5 working days, and employment/long-stay visas may require several weeks. British travelers should apply well in advance of planned travel. For current visa requirements, fees, and online applications, visit the official Indian visa website or check the High Commission website.
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Consular Services

The consular section provides comprehensive services for Indian nationals in the UK, including passport issuance and renewal (normal, jumbo, tatkal/expedited service available), emergency passports for lost/stolen documents, passport services for minors and newborns, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card applications and services (popular among British citizens of Indian origin and their families), Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card services and conversion to OCI, visa services for family members visiting India, birth registration for children born in the UK to Indian parents, marriage registration, death registration, attestation and legalization of documents (educational certificates, commercial documents, powers of attorney, affidavits) for use in India, police clearance certificates, life certificates for pension beneficiaries living in the UK, notarial services, and emergency consular assistance. All services require online appointments booked through the High Commission's appointment portal. Only ICAO compliant photographs are accepted for passport applications (as of September 2025). The High Commission holds monthly open house sessions where Indian citizens and UK nationals of Indian origin can walk in for guidance without appointments (check website for dates, typically one weekday morning per month). For passport inquiries, OCI applications, visa questions, and consular services, book appointments online. The large Indian diaspora in the UK includes British Indians (many holding OCI status maintaining connection to India), students (approximately 100,000+ Indian students in UK universities), IT professionals, medical professionals (Indian-origin doctors and nurses form significant proportion of NHS workforce), business professionals, entrepreneurs, and families. Emergency consular assistance is available 24/7 at +44 7768 765 035 for Indian nationals facing arrest, hospitalization, death, natural disasters, or other urgent situations.
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Trade & Export Support

India and the UK maintain robust and growing trade relations with bilateral trade exceeding £38 billion annually. The UK is India's second-largest investor globally and a major trading partner. British exports to India include machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical equipment and electronics, vehicles and automotive components, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, aircraft and aerospace products, precious metals (particularly gold and silver), organic chemicals, professional and scientific instruments, alcoholic beverages (particularly Scotch whisky), and financial services, while India exports to the UK include textiles and garments (India is major supplier to UK fashion industry), pharmaceuticals and generic medicines, vehicles and automotive components (Indian automotive companies have UK manufacturing), jewelry and precious stones, IT services and software, tea and spices, rice and food products, leather goods, engineering goods, and chemicals. Indian companies have significant investments in the UK including Tata Group (owns Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Steel UK, Tetley Tea), Infosys, TCS, Wipro, and others employing thousands in the UK. British companies maintain major presence in India across sectors including automotive, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, financial services, and retail. The High Commission's commercial section supports trade promotion, business facilitation, and commercial diplomacy. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations ongoing aim to significantly enhance bilateral trade and investment. The High Commission provides support for Indian exporters seeking UK market access, business intelligence, regulatory guidance, and commercial connections.
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Investment Opportunities

The High Commission facilitates information exchange about investment opportunities in India for British companies and investors. India offers opportunities in sectors including information technology and digital services, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, renewable energy (solar, wind, green hydrogen - areas of British expertise), advanced manufacturing and engineering, financial services and fintech, infrastructure development, smart cities and urban development, defense manufacturing and aerospace, electric vehicles and automotive, education and edtech, healthcare and medical devices, and environmental technology. British expertise in financial services, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and technology aligns with India's economic priorities including 'Make in India', 'Digital India', and infrastructure modernization. The UK is one of India's largest sources of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) with cumulative investments exceeding USD 33 billion. Major British companies operating in India include Unilever, Vodafone, HSBC, Standard Chartered, Diageo, GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, and numerous others. The High Commission provides guidance on India's FDI policies, investment procedures, sector-specific regulations, business operating environment, and facilitates connections with Indian partners. India's large domestic market of 1.4 billion people, growing middle class, competitive costs, skilled English-speaking workforce, strong IT sector, and improving ease of doing business create attractive investment opportunities for British businesses.
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Business Support

The High Commission actively facilitates UK-India business relations through its commercial and economic sections. British companies exploring Indian markets can contact the High Commission for market intelligence, regulatory guidance, sector-specific information, business contacts, and facilitation support. The High Commission coordinates with UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT), CBI (Confederation of British Industry), British Chambers of Commerce, and British business organizations to support bilateral commercial opportunities. Services include business matchmaking, information on investment procedures, facilitation of trade delegations, support for companies attending trade fairs and exhibitions in India, commercial dispute resolution guidance, and networking events. The High Commission also supports Indian businesses seeking UK partnerships, investment opportunities, or market access. Key sectors of bilateral business cooperation include financial services and fintech (London and Mumbai as major financial centers), pharmaceuticals and life sciences, information technology and digital services, automotive and electric vehicles, renewable energy and clean technology, defense and aerospace, education and skills development, infrastructure and construction, and creative industries. Both countries collaborate extensively on innovation, research and development, and technology commercialization. The UK-India Tech Partnership and other sectoral partnerships drive cooperation in emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and space technology.
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Cultural & Educational Programs

India and the UK maintain exceptionally strong cultural and educational ties reflecting historical connections and contemporary people-to-people links. Cultural cooperation is vibrant with Indian festivals widely celebrated in the UK including Diwali (celebrated in Parliament and across UK cities), Holi, Vaisakhi (particularly in areas with large Sikh communities), and Navratri. British Council, Nehru Centre London, and numerous cultural organizations facilitate cultural exchange. Indian classical music, dance (particularly Bharatanatyam and Kathak), Bollywood cinema, yoga, and cuisine are integral to British multicultural society. Educational cooperation is extensive with over 100,000 Indian students studying in UK universities and colleges, making India one of the largest sources of international students for the UK. The UK is particularly popular for master's programs in engineering, computer science, business administration, finance, law, and social sciences. British qualifications are highly valued in India. Academic collaboration includes numerous university partnerships, joint research programs, student and faculty exchanges, and cooperation in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), social sciences, and humanities. The UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI) facilitates partnerships between institutions. The High Commission supports scholarship programs including Commonwealth Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships (prestigious UK government scholarships for future leaders), and institution-specific scholarships. Both countries collaborate on research in areas including climate science, health research, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and social sciences. The shared use of English language facilitates academic collaboration and student mobility.
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Service Area

The High Commission of India in London has overall jurisdiction for the United Kingdom. However, India maintains Consulates General and Deputy High Commissions in Birmingham (serving the Midlands and Wales) and Edinburgh (serving Scotland and Northern Ireland) which provide consular services in their respective regions. For residents of London, Southern England, and Eastern England, contact the High Commission in London. For passport services, OCI applications, visa services, and consular assistance, book appointments online through the High Commission's official appointment portal at hcilondon.gov.in. For general inquiries, contact [email protected] or call +44 20 7836 9147 during office hours (Monday-Friday 10:00-17:30). For emergencies affecting Indian nationals in the UK, call the 24-hour emergency helpline: +44 7768 765 035.
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Appointment Information

All consular and visa services require advance online appointments. DO NOT visit India House without a confirmed appointment as walk-ins are not accepted except during designated monthly open house sessions (for guidance only, not document submission). Book appointments online through the official High Commission appointment portal accessible via hcilondon.gov.in. Services requiring appointments include passport applications (new, renewal, tatkal), OCI card applications and updates, visa applications, document attestation, and other consular services. When booking appointments, have ready your passport details, service type required, supporting documentation checklist, and contact information. For passport applications, only ICAO compliant photographs will be accepted - non-compliant photos will result in application rejection. Monthly open house sessions (typically one weekday morning per month, dates on website) allow Indian citizens and UK nationals of Indian origin to walk in for guidance and consultation without appointments, but document submission still requires separate appointments. For general inquiries, email [email protected] or call +44 20 7836 9147 during office hours. For emergencies (arrest, serious medical situations, death, natural disasters) affecting Indian nationals anywhere in the UK, call the 24-hour emergency helpline: +44 7768 765 035. The High Commission warns against fraudulent calls impersonating the mission demanding money - legitimate inquiries never involve unsolicited payment demands via telephone.
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Special Notes

The High Commission is located at India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA, in central London near the Royal Courts of Justice and Covent Garden. The iconic India House building served as headquarters for India's independence movement in London and holds historical significance. The location is highly accessible via London Underground: Temple (Circle and District lines) and Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) stations are nearest. Numerous bus routes serve the Strand and Aldwych area. London's extensive public transportation network (TfL - Transport for London) provides excellent connectivity. On-street parking is extremely limited and expensive in central London; public transportation is strongly recommended. Visitors must present valid photo identification (passport or UK photo driving license) and pass security screening to enter India House. Only persons with confirmed appointments or attending open house sessions will be admitted. The High Commission observes both Indian and UK public holidays. Major Indian celebrations including Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) feature flag-hoisting ceremonies and cultural programs at India House often attended by British Indians and dignitaries. Diwali celebrations at the UK Parliament and across the UK reflect the festival's significance to British Indian communities. For British travelers to India, the High Commission website provides travel advice, visa information, and links to official resources. For UK citizens of Indian origin, OCI status offers valuable benefits including visa-free travel to India, long-term stay rights, and parity with non-resident Indians in economic, financial, and educational matters (except political rights and agricultural land ownership). OCI application processes, eligibility criteria, and required documentation are detailed on the High Commission website. British citizens should consult UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for India regarding safety, health recommendations (vaccinations, malaria prophylaxis for certain regions), and entry requirements. India's diverse attractions including historical monuments, spiritual centers, Himalayan regions, beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, festivals, yoga retreats, and cuisine draw millions of British visitors annually. The High Commission website maintains current information on travel requirements, health protocols, and any COVID-19 related regulations if applicable.
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