GIC India chief awarded Freedom of the City of London

The Chairman and Managing Director of the General Insurance Corporation (GIC) of India, the country's reinsurance major, has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of her work to promote insurance ties between India and the UK.

Alice G. Vaidyan, in London to attend the first India-UK Insurance Summit on Thursday, was nominated for the traditional honour by the Lord Mayor of London, Peter Estlin, and City of London Corporation Policy Chair Catherine McGuinness.

The Freedom of the City of London dates back to the 13th century and has since developed into an honour bestowed upon individuals who make an impact in the financial hub of London, referred to as the City or the Square Mile.

The Freedom of the City of London is a very special and ancient tradition, said McGuinness.

Putting aside her astute business credentials and services to India's insurance industry, she is an excellent ambassador for India, and has done much to boost ties in business between our two ...