Expressing confidence in growing India-UK cooperation across different fields, he said, "Our two countries have charted a long course through history but I believe we have as much ahead of us as we have had in the past."
The former foreign secretary, who officially assumed the post in London in December, said: "The future is bright. There is much that remains to be done but I think together we can get there."
The envoy said he looked forward to the day when both countries will go ahead with "some really important projects like the rupee-denominated bonds and other initiatives, which might lead to the globalisation of the Indian Rupee in years to come".
"The fact is we have come to take for granted a level of cooperation and a level of mutual understanding of each other's concerns and interests, which would have been remarkable even 10 years ago. And that is a testament to just how much we have been able to do and also a testament of how much remains to be done," he added.
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Referring to the proposed cooperation on the Bangalore- Mumbai Economic Corridor, he said: "The BMEC is a very path- breaking serious initiative taken between our two countries.
Mathai is on familiar territory in the UK, having held the post of deputy high commissioner in London during August 2005- January 2007.
He has extensive diplomatic experience, having served at Indian missions in Vienna, Colombo, Washington, Tehran and Brussels.
Mathai, who succeeded Jaimini Bhagwati, paid tribute to the contributions of the Indian Diaspora in Britain.
"India has come of age and is now an actor, like other major actors, on the world stage. Looking at it from the perspective of this country, I would like to pay tribute particularly to the Indian community who have done so much to build the image of India not only here but globally," he said.