UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday (September 6) emphasised his deep connection to India and his "proud Hindu" heritage in an exclusive interview with the news agency PTI. Sunak, the UK's first Indian-origin, and Hindu Prime Minister, spoke of his strong ties to India, citing his Indian wife and his deep pride in his Indian roots. Sunak discussed his ties to India, government relations, the G20 summit, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's global influence in the interview.
Addressing his Hindu faith and Indian heritage, Sunak stated, "My wife is Indian, and being a proud Hindu means I will always have a connection with India and the people of India. I am hugely proud of my Indian roots and my connections to India." This remark follows his earlier public displays of Hindu values, including wearing the sacred red Hindu 'Kalawa' thread and performing gau pooja (cow worship) in London.
Sunak, the first Indian-origin and Hindu Prime Minister of the UK, has consistently embraced his heritage. He took an oath as Britain's finance minister by placing his hands on the Bhagavad Gita.
Here's What Rishi Sunak Said On Proposed FTA:
Regarding the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the UK and India, Sunak highlighted its potential for job creation and strengthened ties between the two nations. He emphasised the importance of the UK's 1.6 million-strong Indian diaspora as a living bridge between the two countries.
"When I meet PM Modi this week, it will be an opportunity to speak about some of the global challenges and the huge role that the UK and India have to play in addressing them," Sunak said. He underlined the positive impact of Indo-UK trade on job opportunities and consumer choices.
Sunak also expressed optimism about reaching a mutually beneficial FTA that would benefit both the UK and India, highlighting the unique nature of the UK-India relationship.
In an earlier exclusive interview with Moneycontrol, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed India's role in shaping the world's future as the G20 Summit approaches on September 9 and 10 in New Delhi. Modi emphasised the international recognition of India's potential and ability to make significant contributions to international affairs, even during times of global uncertainty such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Click here to read more.
Sunak On Russia-Ukraine War:
On the Russia-Ukraine war, Sunak shared his concerns, stating, "If President Putin is allowed to invade a sovereign neighbor with impunity, it will have terrible consequences for the entire world." He reaffirmed Ukraine's right to determine its own future as a free and democratic country.