09 September,2026 04:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
During his London visit, Eknath Shinde will also visit the Maharashtra Mandal`s Maharashtra Bhavan. Pic/Shinde`s office
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has arrived in London for a two-day visit during which he is set to receive three honours for his work in public administration and welfare schemes, an official statement, issued by Shinde's office, said.
Shinde will be honoured at programmes being held at the House of Lords and House of Commons of the UK Parliament. He will also receive an award from the Maharashtra Mandal in London.
According to the statement, the first honour, the Commonwealth Public Leadership Recognition, will be presented to Shinde at the House of Lords on September 9.
The event is being organised jointly by the UK Asian Business Council (UKABC) and Canvas for Care Creative Art Campus.
According to the organisers, the recognition is for Shinde's citizen-focused, transparent and innovative approach to governance during his tenure as Chief Minister and now as Deputy Chief Minister.
Three welfare initiatives have been highlighted for the recognition - the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, Shasan Aaplya Dari and the Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana.
On September 10, Shinde will attend the International Conclave 2026: Global Business and Investment Dialogue at the House of Commons.
The event is being organised jointly by the Indo-European Business Forum and the World Leadership Forum.
Shinde has been invited as the chief guest and will receive the Statesmanship Award at the event.
He is expected to speak about Maharashtra's development vision and India-UK economic ties. The programme will also focus on the state's work in urban development, housing and infrastructure.
Members of both Houses of the UK Parliament, senior British ministers, mayors, diplomats, global business leaders and representatives from Commonwealth countries are expected to attend.
During his London visit, Shinde will also visit the Maharashtra Mandal's Maharashtra Bhavan.
The 94-year-old organisation will honour him with the Global Pride of Maharashtra award for his contribution to the state's social and economic development, including the Ladki Bahin scheme.
Shinde received a warm welcome from members of the Marathi community after arriving at Heathrow Airport on September 9.
Members of the community dressed in traditional attire and welcomed him with dhol-tasha performances. Slogans including "Jai Bhavani" and "Jai Shivaji" were raised during the welcome.
The visit has been described by his supporters as a significant occasion for the Marathi community overseas and for Maharashtra.
The three schemes highlighted during the visit cover women's financial support, doorstep delivery of government services and employment-oriented training for young people.
The organisers said these initiatives were among the key reasons for recognising Shinde's approach to public administration and welfare delivery.
