UK Indian Raj Aggarwal becomes first Indian Honorary Consul to Wales

In his new role Aggarwal will represent the Indian government in Wales by providing consular services, encouraging trade, education and cultural links and exchanges.

As well as managing his pharmacies and other business interests, Aggarwal has continued to be involved in charitable and community organisations.

Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones congratulated Aggarwal on his appointment which was announced by the Indian High Commissioner to the UK Dr. Bhagwat.

“When I was in India I raised the issue of their government’s representation here in Wales with the Ministry of External Affairs. This appointment is further evidence of the growing links between our two nations,” said Jones.

Aggarwal first arrived in the UK to study A-levels from Nairobi and he then pursued pharmacy at Cardiff University. While at the university, he started working for local community and forged professional relations with high-profile political and business figures such as the Prince of Wales and House of Commons ex-Speaker.

He currently holds a number of public positions such as board member of the Wales International Business Council, member of the council of Cardiff University, and deputy Lieutenant for South Glamorgan.

“Wales is a dynamic small country and stronger links with the rising superpower that is India will be vital to its future prosperity,” Aggarwal said on appointment

“I will work tirelessly to build a deeper engagement between the two countries to which I and many Welsh people owe their allegiance,” he added.

Aggarwal's first official engagement as the Indian Honorary Consul to Wales is at a UK-India business conference in Cardiff on Thursday, August 27.