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Narendra Modi describes Rishi Sunak as a 'great friend' of India

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 18 Feb 2025, 10:31 pm

Indian PM Narendra Modi described his former British counterpart Rishi Sunak as a 'great friend' of India during their meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Following his meeting with Sunak, Modi wrote on X: "It was a delight to meet former UK PM, Mr. Rishi Sunak and his family! We had a wonderful conversation on many subjects."

"Mr. Sunak is a great friend of India and is passionate about even stronger India-UK ties," he said.

Modi shared several images of the meeting on X where Sunak was seen accompanied by his wife Akshata Murty, their daughters Krishna and Anoushka and his mother-in-law and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murthy.

Sunak meets FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Apart from Modi, Sunak also met Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The Ministry of Finance wrote on X: "Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman met with Mr. @RishiSunak, United Kingdom’s ex-PM and Member of Parliament, in New Delhi, today."

As per the Ministry, both the leaders discussed potential new avenues to strengthen market-based financial ties and drive economic growth.

Visit to Parliament House

Earlier in the day, Sunak visited the Indian Parliament House with his family members.

"They were accompanied by Smt. Sudha Murthy, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha," read a statement issued by the Indian government.

Sudha Murty is Sunak's mother-in-law.

"Secretary General, Lok Sabha, Shri Utpal Kumar Singh welcomed Shri Sunak and his family. Secretary General, Rajya Sabha, Shri P C Mody was also present on the occasion," the statement said.

During their visit, the Sunak family explored the Parliament House Complex, admiring its architectural grandeur.

They visited notable sites like the Galleries, Chambers, Constitution Hall, and Samvidhan Sadan.

This visit is part of Shri Sunak's recent engagements in India," the statement said.

Sunak earlier visited the Taj Mahal in Agra with his family.

He also attended the T20 cricket match between India and England at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

After the match, he posted on X: "Tough day for England at the Wankhede but I know our team will come back stronger."

"Congratulations to Team India on the win.Despite the result, it was an honour to meet @josbuttler and @surya_14kumar before the match and a pleasure to watch the cricket with my father-in-law," he said.

Sunak's was England's first India-origin PM.