The UK should look to strengthen its relationship with India amid uncertainty around Brexit, according to a former Harrow mayor.

Cllr Ajay Maru attended the Labour Friends of India relaunch event earlier this month, where various politicians and organisations spoke of the important connection between the two countries.

He said it was important to show that Britain is a global country and “is open for business” with rapidly-growing nations.

“This is about improving interaction and engagement between the UK and India and making the relationship greater than it already is,” he said.

“There are lots of opportunities out there and this was a step towards showing that we can keep working together.”

He added that the relationship is particularly relevant to Harrow, given the number of people in the borough who have Indian heritage and interact with the country on a regular basis.

Rajesh Agrawal, deputy mayor of London for business and co-chair of the Labour Friends of India, said it was a great time to relaunch the group.

He said: “We will give a powerful voice to the 1.5 million-strong British-Indian community, as well as promoting understanding of India’s position as major international power and fast-growing economy.”

According to Cllr Maru, the event was “well-attended”, with various councillors from Brent, Harrow and beyond making an appearance.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell and the new High Commissioner of India Ruchi Ghanashyam spoke at the event, while several other MPs – including Harrow West’s Gareth Thomas and Brent North’s Barry Gardiner – took part.