Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was presented in London with the Statesmanship Award for Transformative Leadership for his public leadership and contribution to Maharashtra's development.
The award was given to him on 10 September 2026 in the historic House of Commons in the UK Parliament. According to ANI, Shinde received the award from the World Leadership Forum and India-UK European Business Forum during his London visit.
Award Recognises Leadership and Governance
The recognition comes as Shinde is taking part in a number of engagements in the United Kingdom in which he leads, investments and India-UK economic cooperation is the focus.
The organizers highlighted his work in infrastructure development, public service delivery, women’s empowerment and employment initiatives. In Maharashtra politics, he is involved in the big infrastructure projects and programmes aimed at improving access to government services.
The award ceremony was part of the ‘International Conclave 2026: Global Business and Investment Dialogue’ in which Shinde was invited to discuss the development vision of Maharashtra and the prospects for stronger economic cooperation between India and Britain.
Shinde Highlights Maharashtra's Development
Shinde spoke in London about Maharashtra's infrastructure ambitions and its position as an important economic centre in India.
He highlighted that roads, ports, airports and industrial corridors are major projects and infrastructure development will ultimately improve people’s quality of life and provide new economic opportunities.
Shinde also presented Maharashtra as a place for international investment, and called for greater collaboration between Indian and British businesses.
“Design in London, Manufacture in Maharashtra”
A key theme of Shinde’s London visit was strengthening economic ties between Maharashtra and the United Kingdom.
In his speech, he was looking to promote cooperation in technology, clean energy, manufacturing, investment and employment. His message was to get British companies and investors in Maharashtra looking to invest and work together.
The broader goal was to connect British technology and investment with Maharashtra’s industrial and infrastructure ecosystem.
#WATCH | London, UK: Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde was awarded the Statesmanship Award for Transformative Leadership by World Leadership Forum and India-UK European Business Forum, today. pic.twitter.com/QRWWmBPJ44
— ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2026
A Second Major Recognition in London
The Statesmanship Award was not the only recognition Shinde received during his UK visit.
He was recognised at the House of Lords on 9 September with Commonwealth Public Leadership Recognition. Reports said that it honours him for his citizen-focused and development-oriented governance.
He was also scheduled to receive the Global Pride of Maharashtra from the Maharashtra Mandal in London.
Focus on India-UK Partnership
Shinde’s visit comes in the context of growing India-UK economic cooperation. Maharashtra, home to Mumbai and one of India’s major industrial and financial ecosystems, has to play an important role in bringing foreign investment.
At the London meeting, Shinde used the opportunity to showcase Maharashtra's infrastructure projects and development plans while seeking deeper partnerships with British businesses.
As such, the Statesmanship Award was not only a recognition of Shinde’s political leadership but also a platform to showcase Maharashtra’s economic ambitions on an international platform.
