External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar had a significant meeting with former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in New Delhi on Monday, where he expressed his appreciation for Sunak’s efforts to enhance the relationship between India and the United Kingdom. This interaction highlights the ongoing cooperation between the two nations, especially in areas of diplomacy and international ties.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar acknowledged Sunak’s unwavering support for the strengthening of bilateral relations. “Nice to meet former UK PM Rishi Sunak in Delhi today. Appreciate his constant support for strengthening India-UK relations,” Jaishankar wrote, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and collaboration between the two countries.
Rishi Sunak’s Visit to India
Rishi Sunak, who recently concluded a visit to India, has been enjoying his time exploring some of India’s iconic cultural landmarks with his family. On Sunday, Sunak visited the Fatehpur Sikri monument in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, accompanied by his wife, Akshata Murthy, his mother-in-law Sudha Murthy, and his two daughters, Anoushka and Krishna. During their visit, Sunak warmly waved at the crowd that had gathered to catch a glimpse of the former PM, a gesture that was appreciated by those present.
Earlier in the weekend, Sunak and his family had a memorable visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the most recognized symbols of love in the world. As he toured the monument, Sunak, alongside his wife, signed the visitor’s book, sharing heartfelt remarks about the experience. He wrote, “A truly breathtaking visit. Few places in the world can unite like the Taj Mahal. Our children will never forget seeing this… We are so grateful for the warm hospitality. An unforgettable experience for our whole family. Thank you.”
Akshata Murthy, Sunak’s wife, also left a touching message in the visitors’ book, writing, “A memory for the ages,” highlighting the importance of the visit to her family.
Sunak’s Engagement with India-UK Relations
The visit to India is not just for sightseeing, as Sunak has been actively engaging with different aspects of the India-UK relationship. On February 2, he was in Mumbai to witness the fifth and final T20I match of the series between India and England at the Wankhede Stadium. Sunak attended the match with his father-in-law, Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys. Despite England’s defeat, Sunak expressed confidence in his team’s resilience and congratulated Team India for their victory.
In his post on X, Sunak reflected on the match: “Tough day for England at the Wankhede but I know our team will come back stronger. Congratulations to Team India on the win. Despite the result, it was an honour to meet @josbuttler and @surya_14kumar before the match and a pleasure to watch the cricket with my father-in-law.”
Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
The meeting between EAM Jaishankar and former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak further underscores the importance of strengthening India-UK diplomatic ties. Both countries share a long history of cooperation, and Sunak’s visit to India, including his engagement with iconic landmarks and sports events, demonstrates his commitment to fostering stronger cultural and economic relations.
With a promising exchange of goodwill and collaboration, this visit marks another significant chapter in the enduring partnership between India and the United Kingdom.
