Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde wrapped up his two-day visit to the United Kingdom on Friday, with his trip combining business outreach, meetings with the Marathi diaspora and discussions around Maharashtra’s economic and sporting ambitions.
But one of the most widely shared moments from the visit came away from the formal meetings, when Shinde stopped to enjoy a familiar Maharashtrian favourite — vada pav — on the streets of London.
Shinde Enjoys Vada Pav in London
A video shared by News18 Marathi showed Shinde eating vada pav along with a green chilli. Shiv Sena leader Rahool Kanal was also seen accompanying him during the informal food stop.
The moment quickly attracted attention on social media, offering a distinctly Maharashtrian touch to an otherwise investment-focused overseas visit.
Shinde also greeted the Marathi community during his UK tour and raised the slogan “Jai Maharashtra” at the British Parliament.
Focus on Maharashtra’s $1 Trillion Economy Goal
The main purpose of Shinde’s London visit was to engage British investors and industrialists and encourage greater foreign investment in Maharashtra.
During meetings with investors and while addressing the House of Commons, Shinde spoke about Maharashtra’s ambition of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy by 2030.
He highlighted the state’s large consumer market, skilled workforce, industrial infrastructure and economic corridors as key advantages for international businesses.
“Design in London, manufacture in Maharashtra,” Shinde said while pitching the state as a potential manufacturing and investment destination.
He also urged British businesses to explore opportunities in Maharashtra’s industrial clusters and contribute technology, green capital and investment to the state.
India-UK Trade Ties Take Centre Stage
Shinde’s investment outreach comes against the backdrop of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and growing efforts to deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.
His office said discussions focused on attracting foreign direct investment and strengthening commercial ties between Britain and Maharashtra.
Shinde also emphasised coordination with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to achieve the state’s economic growth targets.
Shinde Honoured in Britain
The Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister received several recognitions during his UK visit.
He was presented with the Commonwealth Public Leadership recognition at the House of Lords and received a Statesmanship Award at the House of Commons.
The Maharashtra Mandal London also honoured him with the Global Pride of Maharashtra award during an interaction with members of the Marathi diaspora.
Virat Kohli Meeting Adds Sports Dimension
Sports also featured during Shinde’s visit.
He met Indian cricket star Virat Kohli as well as a member of the Marylebone Cricket Club. Discussions reportedly included opportunities for cooperation and the development of Maharashtra’s sports sector.
Rahul Kale, a Maharashtra-origin MCC member, spoke about the potential benefits of India hosting the Olympics, particularly for expanding grassroots participation and developing sporting culture across different disciplines.
He also highlighted the role that state governments could play in building partnerships with British companies and institutions as India works towards its 2036 Olympic ambitions.
1983 World Cup Memorabilia Presented to Shinde
A planned visit to Lord’s Cricket Ground could not take place because of time constraints.
However, Shinde was presented with an original Prudential 1983 World Cup scorecard, programme and souvenir booklet by Rahul Kale at the conclusion of his UK tour.
The visit therefore combined investment diplomacy, diaspora outreach and sports engagement, while Shinde’s London vada pav stop provided one of its most recognisable and relatable moments for audiences back home.
