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Time of India
01-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Fish & chips, cultural misappropriation!
While everyone has been sucked into the yada yada over Prada fad-a, in restaurants and eateries across India's metropolitan cities, a crime less fowl, more fish is carried out every day. These establishments have been shamelessly perpetrating cultural misappropriation by passing off deep-fried crumb-covered fish with French fries on the side under the crunchy colonial hangover alias of 'fish & chips' - and, in some cases, even ' British-style fish & chips '. A trade war in the middle of finalising a Britain-India FTA may be in the Indians having a fair taste of Britain know what the Brit classic looks like - a wondrously desolate hunk of cod or haddock, battered in self-esteem, flour, baking soda and vinegar, resting beside girthy-worthy potato chips. It has little in common with 'fish fry' - deep-fried bhetki or rohu fillet covered in breadcrumbs. And, yet, in some ludicrous Anglo-Bongo accent, the menus perpetuate the lie: 'Authentic fish & chips'. This is not to say that fish fry isn't delightful. It's just a different kettle of fish. It's truly remarkable, though, how India, where darzis appropriate the latest Armani and startups 'borrow' biz models and pass them off as innovation, has been hopeless in fish & chipping. Justice must be served - crispy-crunchy on the outside, sinking soft in the inside. How hard can it be?
Economic Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Now to take Brit-Indi pop to the top
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of .) As Britain and India sign a landmark FTA, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between our two nations. Years in the making, this agreement symbolises more than just economic cooperation -- it marks the beginning of a deeper, more strategic partnership rooted in shared democratic values, mutual respect, and a common vision for the respective experiences in government, business, and civil society have shown us the immense potential that lies in Britain-India collaboration. The FTA is poised to unlock opportunities across a wide range of sectors, from advanced technology and education to life sciences and clean energy. It is a testament to what can be achieved when two dynamic democracies engage in sustained, constructive this moment is about more than economics. It sends a powerful message to the world. At a time when geopolitical instability, protectionism, and climate challenges dominate the global agenda, Britain and India have chosen to move forward together. This FTA signals that it is still possible for nations to unite with ambition and purpose, to build bridges -- not walls -- to foster prosperity, not significance of this agreement will not be measured solely in trade figures, or GDP growth. Its true impact will be seen in the lives it touches. The young entrepreneur in Bengaluru who can now access British capital and clients. The British innovator finding a new market in India's growing cities. Investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators who together will create new companies and products for a global market. Students, researchers, and creatives who will all benefit from increased exchange and this potential, however, requires looking beyond the agreement itself. Implementation will be key. It demands ongoing commitment from both governments, transparent processes, and adaptability in a fast-changing global environment. Most importantly, it requires inclusive stakeholder engagement -- businesses large and small, civil society, academic institutions, and local and regional governments -- all working together to make the FTA work on the milestone is also the result of a decade of strategic groundwork. Prime minister Narendra Modi has been instrumental in strengthening the Britian-India relationship over the past ten years. This FTA is in many ways a culmination of his consistent addition, as we know from private conversations, the leadership and commitment shown by the two trade ministers, Jonathan Reynolds and Piyush Goyal, along with the immense efforts of S Jaishankar and Nirmala Sitharaman, have also been crucial in this the British side, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has shown decisive leadership and commitment to international engagement. His determination to conclude the FTA reflects a clear-eyed recognition of India's role as a central partner in Britain's global future, and an understanding that this partnership must now move to a new, elevated level. In this respect he is building on the groundbreaking work of his predecessor and Britain's first PM of Indian heritage, Rishi ahead, this agreement opens the door to much more. It's an opportunity to redefine the Britain-India relationship for the 21st c. not just as trading partners, but also as innovation allies, champions of democracy, and collaborators on global challenges. That means deepening our cultural connections, enabling joint R&D, and investing in skills and co-authors of this moment in history, we call upon leaders, businesses, and citizens in both countries to approach this new chapter with energy and intent. The FTA is a foundation, not a finish line. If we build upon it with vision and responsibility, we can shape a relationship that delivers meaningful impact today and lasting prosperity tomorrow.
