Leading women from sectors such as politics, business, technology, law, academia, the arts and campaigning will be celebrated in a launch event at the House of Commons as part of the inaugural ‘India Day'

To coincide with first ever India Day in parliament, India Inc. who run UK-India Week have launched a list of celebrating 100 women who have be integral in bringing the two countries together. It is being launched at the House of Commons as part of a series of events celebrating the relationship between the two countries.

In a time where international collaboration has never been more important, this list signifies the lengths that individuals are going to in order to ensure that it remains front and centre. 

This year's list is an all-female list for the first time and celebrates the immense contribution of women from across different sectors in both countries, who have made considerable contributions to the relationship.

The women highlighted in this list hold positions of tremendous influence and therefore their inclusion here is as much about the promise they bring, as the success they may have already achieved.

This launch occurs at a political turning point in both countries, following the re-election of Narendra Modi and the ongoing Brexit debate, the time has never been more crucial to look forward to a transformational relationship between the two nations.

Key individuals include:

  • Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, India
  • Penny Mordaunt, Secretary of State for Defence, UK
  • Ruchi Ghanashyam, Indian High Commissioner to the UK
  • Jacqueline de Rojas, President, techUK
  • Janhavi Dadarkar, Founder & CEO, Maiora
  • Nisha Karavadra, Partner and Head of UK-India Practice, Ahlawat & Associates
  • Rupi Nandra, Head of International Programmes, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
  • Dr Mukulika Banerjee, Associate Professor and Director, South Asia Centre, LSE
  • Darshita Gillies, Co-Founder and Director, Blue Dot Advisory; Founder, Maanch
  • Anita Anand, Broadcaster, Journalist and Biographer
  • Gurinder Chadha, Film and Television Director

Ruchi Ghanashyam, Indian High Commissioner to the UK, comments on the list:

‘Global partnerships are more important than ever as we become an interconnected world. This list highlights the huge potential for the future of the UK and India as they continue to forge on together as two great countries. I am proud to say women are playing a front and central role. From business to politics, and art and literacy women are continuing to pave the way in bringing together this bold partnership through collaboration and relationships. I congratulate India Inc. for this wonderful initiative'

Manoj Ladwa, Founder and CEO of India Inc. comments:

‘This year's list was a pleasure to put together. Too often in today's world do we see lists being dominated by men, with women coming in second or not at all. The women who we have chosen to be part of this list represent something much larger than a list - they are at the core of the relationship between our two nations and they represent the change of an era. We will look to them for the future of our winning partnership.'