S Jaishankar Expresses Gratitude to ‘Mr and Mrs Sunak’ for Hospitable Welcome in London

On Sunday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in London. Expressing delight in calling on the British Prime Minister on Diwali day, Jaishankar conveyed the best wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his counterpart. He extended his gratitude to Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, for their warm reception and gracious hospitality, with Jaishankar’s wife, Kyoko Jaishankar, also in attendance.

“Delighted to call on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Diwali Day. Conveyed the best wishes of PM Narendra Modi. India and UK are actively engaged in reframing the relationship for contemporary times. Thank Mr. and Mrs. Sunak for their warm reception and gracious hospitality,” Jaishankar shared on X.

Jaishankar’s visit to the UK, spanning five days, aims to review various aspects of bilateral ties and provide new impetus to friendly relations. He posted Diwali wishes on X, hoping for peace, prosperity, and health for all.

During his stay, Jaishankar is expected to attend an event at Lord’s Cricket Ground, address a Diwali Reception by the High Commission of India in London, participate in a repatriation ceremony for ancient temple sculptures from Uttar Pradesh, and join a discussion on ‘How a billion people see the world.’ Talks with UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly are also scheduled, including discussions on Sunak’s potential visit to India in the coming months, according to PTI.

On Saturday, Sunak had conveyed Diwali wishes, emphasizing the festival’s symbolism of triumph over darkness and expressing hope for a brighter tomorrow. As the UK’s first Asian prime minister and a devout Hindu, Sunak envisioned Diwali as a celebration of the country’s ethnic and cultural diversity.