United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday visited the Akshardham temple amid heightened security measures by the Delhi Police. Sunak, accompanied by his wife Akshata Murthy, is currently in India to attend the two-day G20 Summit. "His experience was extraordinary...He performed the Pooja and Aarti with a lot of faith," Director of Akshardham Temple, Jyotindra Dave told news agency ANI. "His experience was extraordinary...He performed the Pooja and Aarti with a lot of faith...We showed him the temple and also gave him a model of the temple as a gift...He enjoyed every minute here...he kept on extending time...His wife was also very happy," he added.
As per a PTI report, a senior police officer confirmed that security pickets were established in the vicinity, with thorough checks considering the ongoing G20 Summit. Adequate security personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of the UK Prime Minister during his visit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Rishi Sunak on Day 1 of the G20 Summit, with the goal of strengthening trade ties and encouraging investment. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Summit to discuss the status of negotiations for the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Both leaders expressed confidence that the remaining issues could be resolved quickly, resulting in the signing of a "balanced, mutually beneficial, and forward-looking" trade agreement.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), it was noted that the UK had shown significant support during India's G20 Presidency by actively participating in various G20 meetings and events.
This visit marks the first trip to India by the 43-year-old British Indian leader since assuming office as Prime Minister in October 2022.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made in various aspects of bilateral cooperation, in line with the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Roadmap 2030. These areas encompass economic cooperation, defence, security, technology, green technology, climate change, health, and mobility.
Modi and Sunak also discussed international and regional issues of mutual interest and importance.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working together for the prosperity and sustainability of the planet, in addition to reviewing the Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
According to PTI, a Downing Street spokesperson stated that the meeting's discussions included cooperation in defence technology, innovation, and consular matters.
PM Modi also emphasised Prime Minister Sunak's warm welcome during his first visit to India as British Prime Minister.