In a festive Diwali celebration in London, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, commonly known as the Neasden Temple. Offering prayers on the auspicious occasion, Jaishankar extended Diwali greetings to the Indian diaspora, expressing the joy of being present “among our own people” during the festive season.
Diplomatic Talks and Strengthening Ties
Highlighting the relentless efforts of the Indian government, Jaishankar shared insights into his recent discussions with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Emphasizing the commitment to strengthening UK-India relations, he remarked on the continuous work of the Modi government, operating “24*7 every day.”
India’s Changing Image on the Global Stage
Reflecting on the changing global perception of India, Jaishankar spoke about the positive transformation of Bharat’s image. He emphasized the role of the Indian diaspora in contributing to this shift, stating, “I am a testament to how much the image of Bharat has changed.”
India’s Achievements and International Presence
Jaishankar underlined India’s achievements on the international stage, including the successful G20 presidency and its status as the fastest-growing large economy. “India is today the fastest growing large economy. There is leadership. There is vision. There is good governance,” he stated.
Diplomatic Engagements with UK Leadership
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar and his wife Kyoko Jaishankar were hosted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for Diwali tea at Downing Street. Jaishankar conveyed the best wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed the active engagement between India and the UK in reframing their relationship for contemporary times.
Official Visit to the UK
The visit marked the beginning of Jaishankar’s five-day official visit to the UK, aiming to review various aspects of bilateral ties and provide new impetus to the friendly relationship between the two nations.
