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Jaishankar gifts UK PM Rishi Sunak Lord Ganesha statue, Kohli-signed cricket bat on Diwali

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 13 Nov 2023, 11:03 am

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is now on his official trip to the United Kingdom, has gifted a statue of Lord Ganesha and a bat autographed by India's cricket icon Virat Kohli to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the occasion of Diwali

Jaishankar conveyed Diwali wishes on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty.

Jaishankar posted some pictures of his meeting with Sunak on X saying, "Delighted to call on Prime Minister @RishiSunak on #Diwali Day. Conveyed the best wishes of PM @narendramodi.

"India and UK are actively engaged in reframing the relationship for contemporary times. Thank Mr. and Mrs. Sunak for their warm reception and gracious hospitality."

An X post by the office of UK Prime Minister reads, "The Prime Minister @RishiSunak welcomed @DrSJaishankar to Downing Street this evening. Together they expressed their very best wishes as Indian communities around the world begin #Diwali celebrations."

Jaishankar, who was accompanied by his wife Kyoko Jaishankar during his meeting with Sunak and Murty, is on his trip to the UK from November 11 to 15.

Giving pace to the growing relationship between India and UK, Jaishankar, as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, is set to hold discussions with his counterpart, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and will meet several other dignitaries.

The MEA says in a statement, "India and the UK share a warm and thriving relationship. The India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was launched in 2021 along with the India-UK Roadmap 2030.

"The Roadmap is a commitment to a partnership that delivers for both the countries. EAM’s visit will give a new impetus to the friendly ties between the two countries."

Prime Minister Modi and his British counterpart Rishi Sunak on November 3 held a telephonic conversation where they talked about the Free Trade Agreement of FTA.

The two also discussed the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict and both condemned the war raged by the militant group Hamas on Israel.