A day after attending the G20 Summit held in India, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shared a video calling his visit to India an "important trip". Sunak took to X and posted a video in which he shared glimpses of his visit to India, including his Akshardham temple visit and the G20. In the video, the UK PM can be heard speaking about global issues including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its impact on the people. "An important trip to India for the G20, delivering for the UK on the world stage," Sunak wrote on X.
"Global issues matter, they impact all of us. We saw that during the Covid and we have seen the devastating consequences of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, both on the Ukrainian people and the rise in global energy prices. We are under no illusion, these issues can’t be solved in isolation. Isolation is a policy that Vladimir Putin has chosen, ripping up the black sea grain deal which has provided a lifeline for millions. Putin was not at the G20 to face the world but we were. Working with our allies and partners from around the world to address some of the biggest challenges that we face. Stabilising the global economy, isolating Putin, and strengthening our international relationships and by doing that delivering jobs, growth, and security to the British public that they expect from their Prime Minister," Sunak said in the video.
Rishi Sunak on Sunday visited the Akshardham temple here with his wife Akshata Murty and said it is not only a place of worship but also a landmark that portrays India's values. According to the temple management, the couple spent 45 minutes at the temple, offering prayers and learning about its architecture and history, as per news agency PTI.
They reached the temple dedicated to Swaminarayan, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, around 6:45 am and walked barefoot from the reception area to the main temple complex -- a distance of about 150 metres.
Sunak, who was dressed in a crisp white shirt and navy blue trousers, and his wife, who paired a beige kurta with a bright pink dupatta and loose pants, were accorded a traditional welcome at the temple. Walking around the temple, the British prime minister shared his thoughts with his hosts.
"My wife and I were delighted to visit Swaminarayan Akshardham for darshan and puja this morning. We were amazed and awed by the beauty of this temple and its universal message of peace, harmony and becoming a better human being," the temple authorities quoted Sunak as saying in a statement.
"This is not only a place of worship but a landmark that also portrays India's values, culture and contributions to the world," he said. The UK PM said these values and culture are seen in the "positive contributions the British-Indian community makes to the UK", he added.