British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty hosted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his wife Kyoko Jaishankar for Diwali tea at Downing Street. During the meeting, Jaishankar conveyed the best wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed that India and the UK are actively engaged in reframing the relationship for contemporary times. Both sides hailed the warm reception and gracious hospitality.

This marked the beginning of Jaishankar’s five-day official visit to the UK, which aims to review various aspects of bilateral ties and give new impetus to the friendly relations between the two countries. Ahead of the Diwali celebration, Jaishankar took to social media to extend his greetings for a happy and prosperous Diwali, wishing peace, prosperity, and health for all.

During his visit, Jaishankar is expected to attend an event at Lord’s Cricket Ground and address a Diwali Reception organized by the High Commission of India in London. He will also participate in a repatriation ceremony for two ancient temple sculptures from Uttar Pradesh and join a discussion on the theme of ‘How a billion people see the world’. These engagements demonstrate the significance of cultural and historical ties between India and the UK.

One of the key aspects of Jaishankar’s visit is his meeting with Foreign Secretary James Cleverly in London. The discussions are expected to include preparations for Rishi Sunak’s possible visit to India in the next few months, reinforcing the growing bilateral partnership. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the warm and thriving relationship between India and the UK and emphasized the importance of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the India-UK Roadmap 2030.

The India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, launched in 2021, aims to expand ties in various areas, including trade. The two countries have been negotiating a free trade agreement since January last year, with a target to significantly enhance the bilateral trading partnership, estimated at GBP 36 billion. Thirteen rounds of negotiations have taken place, and officials are hopeful of clinching a deal before the general elections in both countries scheduled for 2024.

Jaishankar’s visit is expected to give a new impetus to the friendly ties between India and the UK, reinforcing the commitment to a partnership that delivers mutual benefits and cooperation in a range of sectors.