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Mission Mumbai: Dockside diplomacy
We deliver brand experiences anywhere, at any scale. In October 2025, historic diplomatic trade & investment talks between the UK and India culminated in a VVIP reception like no other.
The ‘Alive with Opportunity’ reception would welcome 500+ leaders and dignitaries into Indira Dock 1 (ID1), a secure area of the Port of Mumbai, and onto the flight deck of Royal Navy frigate HMS Richmond, part of the Carrier Strike Group 25.
Short on time, we sent our team out to make it happen.
“From dust to diplomacy in a week,” says Event Director Kate Middleton. “It was the most insane couple of weeks of my life, and I loved every second of it.”
“From dust to diplomacy in a week. It was the most insane couple of weeks of my life, and I loved every second of it”
Event Director, Kate Middleton
One project. One team.
This collaborative project drew people from multiple government departments, and local suppliers, led by specialists from Bray Leino Events.
Working alongside familiar and new faces, our people brought expertise, energy, and continuity to a dynamic, rapidly changing situation.
“The great thing was the collaboration. It didn’t matter if you were Bray Leino Events, DBT, FCDO, Royal Navy or others,” says Kate. “We were one team. One objective.”
Security
Gaining dockside access in Mumbai usually means stringent security checks, pre-clearance, and a Port Access Pass approved by eight different officials.
Mumbai port facility is controlled by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). They’re armed and serious, getting access is a longer process than entering a major international airport.
Collaborative diplomacy helped secure a special exemption for the reception guests, and our UK team spent long hours verifying and uploading over 1,900 documents for guests and crew – which made the exemption possible and allowed people to access the event smoothly on the day.
Unstoppable
Shortly before the HMS Richmond was due to arrive and with lorries at the gate, our team awoke to find a 150,000-ton cargo ship parked in our dock. It took a precious half day of intense diplomacy to get it moved, time we couldn’t spare – but it moved.
“We moved a cargo ship,” says Ollie Jeffery (Production Director on the event, Bray Leino Events). “After that, we knew we could do anything.”
On Wednesday 8th October, two days before the event itself, the HMS Richmond entered Mumbai Port’s Indira Dock as planned, greeted by the Indian Navy military marching band. An emotional moment for the entire team.
Planning and delivery overlapped, wild curveballs were dealt with - we oversaw cranes, laying of fresh tarmac, built an air-conditioned super structure over 130m long, stages, hospitality areas, kitchen and bars, and bespoke lighting and projection on the ship and Merlin helicopter themselves.
“We moved a cargo ship. After that, we knew we could do anything.”
Production Director on the event, Ollie Jeffery
Showtime
Our VVIP guests arrived, checked in at the plush ferry terminal nearby, then boarded a fleet of buses to be whisked through the industrial landscape of the port and alight at a backlit tunnel entrance leading to a purpose built, air-conditioned venue.
A formal sunset flag ceremony aboard the HMS Richmond took place, where flags and national anthems added to the dramatic and patriotic experience. Followed in the main structure by a series of diplomatic speeches, drinks and a traditional Indian meal, then entertainment from a live band featuring Bollywood performers.
Guests were invited to tour along the deck of the HMS Richmond, lit with UK colours and projections of the UK and Indian flags side by side, culminating on the flight deck alongside the Merlin helicopter, lit in GREAT brand colours with the backdrop of the 24.04 hectares Indira Dock itself.
“It was like being in a surreal film at times” says Event Director Kate Middleton. “It really strengthened my already ambitious sense of what we can achieve.”
