Jaishankar gifts Lord Ganesha, Virat Kohli's bat to UK PM Rishi Sunak; Offers prayers at London's Swaminarayan Mandir

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty at 10 Downing Street to convey Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Diwali wishes. During the meeting, Jaishankar presented a Lord Ganesha statue and a cricket bat signed by Indian cricketer Virat Kohli to the UK Prime Minister. The Minister expressed his delight on Twitter, thanking Prime Minister Sunak for his warm reception and gracious hospitality.

Jaishankar is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, where he is also scheduled to meet his UK counterpart James Cleverly. The visit aims to strengthen the growing bilateral partnership between India and the UK. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, launched in 2021, along with the India-UK Roadmap 2030, highlights the commitment to a partnership that benefits both countries.



Notably, India and the UK are in negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement, with talks starting in 2022. The leaders discussed the progress of these negotiations during a recent telephone conversation. They emphasized the importance of securing an ambitious deal that benefits both sides.

During their conversation, the leaders also discussed the ongoing Cricket World Cup and the upcoming test series between India and England. Prime Minister Sunak congratulated Prime Minister Modi on Team India's impressive performance in the tournament.

S Jaishankar also observed Diwali by participating in prayers at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple) in London as part of his UK visit. Jaishankar and his wife Kyoko Jaishankar performed the Abhishek Puja ceremony.


Taking to his official social media account on X, Jaishankar shared insights into his meeting with the UK PM, stating, "Thrilled to meet Prime Minister @RishiSunak on #Diwali Day. Conveyed the best wishes of PM @narendramodi. India and UK are actively engaged in reshaping the relationship for contemporary times. Grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Sunak for their warm reception and generous hospitality."

(Inputs from Agencies)