Rishi Sunak

1. S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, conveys Diwali wishes to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
2. The meeting at 10 Downing Street symbolizes the cultural exchange between India and the UK during the festive season.
3. Jaishankar, accompanied by his wife Kyoko Jaishankar, presents a Ganesha statue to Sunak.

London, Nov 13: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended Diwali wishes to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during a meeting at 10 Downing Street. Accompanied by his wife Kyoko Jaishankar, the minister presented Sunak with a Ganesha statue and a cricket bat autographed by Virat Kohli.

Sharing the encounter on social media, Jaishankar expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality from Prime Minister Sunak and his wife. The meeting aimed to convey Diwali wishes from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Jaishankar is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, with a scheduled meeting with his UK counterpart, James Cleverly, among others. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the growing bilateral partnership between India and the UK, emphasizing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership launched in 2021.

Also Read: Dense Smog Blankets Delhi Post-Diwali Celebrations Amid Deteriorating Air Quality

The visit seeks to provide fresh momentum to the friendly ties between the two countries. During a telephone conversation on November 3, Prime Ministers Modi and Sunak discussed the progress of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and acknowledged the Indian cricket team’s performance in the Cricket World Cup.

The leaders also condemned Hamas attacks on Israel, stressing that the terror group did not represent the Palestinian people. The need to de-escalate tensions in the region was also a part of their discussion.

As Jaishankar’s visit unfolds, it contributes to the ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties and foster cooperation between India and the United Kingdom.