The visit marks the UK’s first major regional response to the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, which came into effect on July 15, and aims to attract Indian investment into the North while helping Northern businesses expand into the Indian market.
Taking place from October 12 to 16 under The Great North banner, the mission will bring together civic, business, and academic leaders from across the North East, York and North Yorkshire, Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and Cheshire and Warrington.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “The North is stronger when we work together, and we’re ready to take the commitment we made and put it into action with a joint trade mission to the world’s fastest growing economy.
“We will use this visit to India to showcase the combined strength of the Great North and how York and North Yorkshire can bring our world-class research and education, our thriving manufacturing sector and our hard-working farmers to the table.”
The delegation will promote trade, investment, innovation, culture, and the visitor economy, with support from the Department for Business and Trade and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Northern mayors will be joined by businesses, SMEs, and universities to showcase the region’s economic potential and create new opportunities for collaboration.
Kim McGuinness, Chair of The Great North and North East Mayor, said: “The Great North was created to do something the North of England has rarely had the opportunity to do before: come together with a single voice and tell our story to the world.
“This mission to India is a powerful example of that vision in action.
“It is the North taking control of its own destiny, coming together to build relationships, attract investment and create opportunities that will benefit our people, businesses and communities for generations to come.”
The programme will include an opening event in New Delhi, sector-focused meetings, and cultural and sporting activities to promote Northern assets.
Plans also include working with Indian travel trade partners to grow visitor numbers from India to the North of England.
The Great North region represents a combined economy worth more than £340 billion, with strengths in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, digital technology, clean energy, financial and professional services, and the creative industries.
India and the North already share deep ties, including a diaspora of nearly 540,000 people of Indian origin and significant Indian investment in the region.
The mission follows the India North England Opportunity Summit in March 2026, which brought together more than 300 delegates and marked one year since the opening of the Consulate General of India in Manchester.
