A delightful fusion of diplomatic ties, Diwali celebrations, and cricket camaraderie, India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, recently added a touch of festivity to the historic 10 Downing Street in the UK. The minister, currently on a visit to the UK, shared Diwali cheer with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, creating headlines with a unique and thoughtful gift.
Jaishankar, known for his astute diplomatic skills, presented Sunak with a cricket bat adorned with the autograph of none other than the cricket icon Virat Kohli. As if that weren’t enough to bowl over cricket enthusiasts, a Lord Ganesh statue accompanied the sporting gift, symbolizing the auspicious blessings for the ongoing friendship between the two nations.
The festivities extended beyond the political arena, as Jaishankar and his wife, Kyoko Jaishankar, embarked on a spiritual journey by offering prayers at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, also known as the Neasden Temple, in London. This temple, Europe’s first authentic and traditionally constructed Hindu temple, provided a serene backdrop for the minister’s Diwali visit, blending cultural richness with the celebration of the festival of lights.
Taking to his official social media handle, Jaishankar shared insights into his meeting with UK PM Rishi Sunak. The minister expressed his delight in calling on Prime Minister Sunak on Diwali day, conveying warm wishes from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his post, Jaishankar emphasized the active engagement between India and the UK in reshaping their relationship to align with contemporary times. He graciously thanked Mr. and Mrs. Sunak for their warm reception and gracious hospitality during the festive meeting.
Jaishankar’s visit to the UK holds diplomatic significance, with the two nations actively negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership launched in 2021, along with the India-UK Roadmap 2030, underscores the warm and thriving relationship shared between India and the UK.
As negotiations for the FTA progress, the 12th round of talks took place from August 8-31 this year. In a telephone conversation on November 3, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak discussed the progress on the Free Trade Agreement. The leaders expressed mutual importance in securing an ambitious deal that would benefit both sides, as highlighted in an official release by the UK government.
Jaishankar’s visit, wrapped in Diwali festivities, diplomatic discussions, and cricket enthusiasm, showcases the multi-faceted nature of India-UK relations. As the minister concludes his visit on November 15, the world awaits the outcomes of these diplomatic endeavors, poised to shape the future trajectory of bilateral ties in the spirit of friendship and collaboration.