Talks in Chandigarh focus on overseas Punjabis, direct flights, cargo facilities, investment and the Kartarpur Sahib corridor
Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Ravjot Singh and UK Member of Parliament Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi held discussions in Chandigarh on Saturday on issues affecting the Punjabi diaspora and ways to strengthen links between Punjab and the United Kingdom.
The meeting covered a range of concerns raised by overseas Punjabis, including the protection of properties in Punjab, investment opportunities and measures to improve air connectivity with the state. The two leaders also discussed the need for better cargo facilities to support trade and economic links between Punjab and the UK.
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The Kartarpur Sahib corridor was another key issue discussed
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Dhesi has recently called for the reopening of the corridor, which has remained suspended since May 2025 following the Pahalgam terror attack. He has said reopening the route would allow devotees from India and abroad to visit the Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara more easily.
Dhesi, who represents Slough in the British Parliament and chairs the House of Commons Defence Committee, has been meeting senior Punjab leaders during his visit to the state. His discussions have included matters concerning the diaspora, regional development and connectivity.
The latest meeting also comes amid wider India-UK discussions on migration, education and skills. Earlier this month, UK Deputy High Commissioner in Chandigarh Alba Smeriglio met Ravjot Singh, with both sides discussing safe and legal migration routes and stronger cooperation in education, skills and community engagement.
The engagement between Punjab officials and UK representatives highlights the importance of the state’s extensive overseas community and the economic, social and cultural links between Punjab and Britain.
