The announcements included expansion by technology company Hexaware, a new UK base for RavenAI and an apprenticeship commitment from Infosys.

Almost 200 representatives from business, universities, tourism, culture and sport joined Northern mayors and civic leaders on the visit from 12 to 16 October.

Organisers said Hexaware’s £25 million UK expansion programme would support 420 jobs in Greater Manchester and 240 in Leeds, alongside a new design and innovation centre at SISTER in Manchester.

RavenAI’s plans include almost £7.5 million of investment and 20 specialist jobs through a UK base at DiSH in Greater Manchester.

Infosys committed to recruiting 80 apprentices in the city region as part of its work on the NHS PeoplePortal.

Across the North, organisers reported 763 jobs associated with employment and investment announcements highlighted during the mission, alongside the 80 Infosys apprenticeships.

They said the figures were provisional and included some commitments announced before the visit.

Education agreements included plans for a University of Manchester education, research and innovation centre in Bengaluru.

New partnerships involving the universities of Manchester and Salford are intended to support research, staff and student exchanges, academic programmes and progression routes.

Manchester Metropolitan University, the Royal Northern College of Music, the University of Manchester and the University of Salford will also offer GREAT Scholarships 2027 for Indian students taking one-year taught postgraduate courses.

The University of Manchester, Manchester Museum and Science Gallery Bengaluru signed an agreement focused on cultural collaboration.

Kim McGuinness, chair of The Great North, said “The agreements we've made and the relationships we've built must translate into real benefits for people and businesses back home.”

Indian travel buyers and media representatives are due to visit Manchester in November for the Spotlight Manchester tourism event. Organisers are also exploring a return Indian delegation to the North in 2027.