Delhi – On the sidelines of the G20 summit in Delhi, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak engaged in discussions with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, with a primary focus on advancing bilateral trade relations. Contrary to previous expectations, Sunak did not press Modi to sever ties with Russia.
The meeting commenced with a warm embrace, a customary gesture of the Indian Prime Minister in interactions with world leaders. Sunak expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It is excellent, everything is excellent. This is beautiful, absolutely beautiful. It looks stunning. Everyone is excited, everyone is proud, it looks great.”
Additionally, Sunak mentioned that his family had closely followed the recent landing of an Indian spacecraft on the moon. He shared, “My daughters who watched the Chandrayaan were so excited. Everyone is buzzing. Really incredible. A historic moment for India but also for the world.”
While the meeting had been scheduled a day earlier, it was postponed for undisclosed reasons. During this period, Modi engaged in substantial discussions with US President Joe Biden.
The Downing Street administration aspires to finalize a comprehensive free trade agreement with India later this year, following nearly two years of negotiations. Sunak expressed his joint commitment with Modi, stating, “Both Modi-ji [a term of respect in India] and I are keen to see a comprehensive and ambitious trade deal concluded between our two countries. Both of us think that there is a good deal to be done.”
Despite prior announcements suggesting that Sunak would urge India to adopt a more assertive stance towards Russia, he clarified that it was not his place to dictate India’s international positions. A No 10 spokesperson affirmed, “We’re always looking to further deepen the coalition of countries that are in opposition to Russia’s illegal war. I think you’ve already heard from India, who have shown strong support for the UN charter and the need to respect sovereign borders.”
India has expressed support for the UN charter, emphasizing the importance of respecting other nations’ sovereignty, although it has refrained from endorsing UN resolutions condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Sunak’s visit to India provided a temporary respite from domestic challenges, including issues related to school infrastructure and a prison escape from Wandsworth jail.
Accompanied by his wife, Akshata Murty, the daughter of one of India’s prominent business tycoons, Sunak expressed his desire to be embraced as “India’s son-in-law.” However, their plans for touring Delhi and interacting with locals were thwarted due to the extensive security measures in place for the summit.
Their intended business event at the British high commission had to be canceled due to the restrictions imposed on movement in the city.
