UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on Friday to participate in the G20 World Leaders’ Summit hosted by India. The summit, marking the end of India’s Presidency, will see the participation of numerous global leaders, including US President Joe Biden and other heads of state. While arrangements are underway to welcome the international dignitaries, one of Sunak’s Indian relatives, Gautam Dev Sood, expressed excitement about the visit and hopes to meet him in the capital.
Sood, identified as Sunak’s maternal uncle, stated, “We are very happy that he is coming to India. There is a great sense of excitement, and we are trying to assemble in Delhi if it is possible to meet him.”
Regarding Sunak’s rumored plans to visit Ludhiana in Punjab during his stay for the summit, Sood mentioned that he is not aware of such plans but expressed the desire to greet Sunak if authorities permit.
Earlier reports indicated that Sunak’s relatives were preparing for a grand welcome in New Delhi, including hosting a feast, presenting flower bouquets, and organizing “non-stop dancing” to Punjabi music. However, it is unlikely that Sunak will attend such events due to his tight schedule during the G20 summit and bilateral talks on its sidelines.
Rishi Sunak will be accompanied on his first visit to India as prime minister by his wife, Akshata Murty, the daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and author Sudha Murty. Upon his arrival, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs Ashwini Kumar Choubey will receive him. Sunak and the UK delegation will stay at the Shangri-La Hotel in Delhi’s Connaught Place, where Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz and his delegation are also accommodated.
Sunak expressed admiration for India’s diverse culture and its successes, stating that India’s Presidency of the G20 comes at a crucial time when the world faces numerous challenges. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership during this period and highlighted the significance of the UK-India relationship in shaping both countries’ futures.
Sources By Agencies
