Enhanced security measures for UK PM Sunak's visit to Akshardham Temple
New Delhi, September 9: Enhanced security measures have been implemented outside Delhi's Akshardham temple in anticipation of United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's visit on Sunday. Prime Minister Sunak, who is in India for the G20 Summit, is scheduled to visit the Akshardham temple in Delhi during his stay.
Jyotindra Dave, an official from the temple, stated, "We have made all necessary preparations, and we have received information from the British High Commission that the UK Prime Minister will be visiting here. We have extended a warm welcome to him and his spouse at the main entrance, 'Mayur Dwar.'"
During a conversation with ANI, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed his visit to Delhi's Akshardham temple. Expressing pride in his Hindu heritage, he expressed his desire to find time to visit a temple in India during his participation in the G20 Summit.
Rishi Sunak emphasized his "enormous respect" for Prime Minister Modi and his commitment to supporting India in making the G20 Summit a resounding success. He revealed, "I am a proud Hindu. That's how I was raised, that's how I am. Hopefully, I can visit the Mandir while I am here for the next couple of days."
Regarding the significance of faith, Sunak added, "Faith is something very important as it gives strength and resilience during stress."
Earlier today, Prime Minister Sunak engaged in bilateral discussions with his Indian counterpart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit taking place in the national capital. The meeting occurred at the Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, the summit's venue.
The talks between the leaders built upon their previous meeting at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima in May, during which they discussed the India-UK free trade agreement, innovation, science, and strategies for strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. Negotiations for the UK-India Free Trade Agreement began in 2022, with the 12th round taking place from August 8 to 31, 2023. The 13th round is scheduled for September.
At the G20 Summit, Sunak and PM Modi participated in Session 1 on 'One Earth.' Sunak emphasized the world's reliance on the G20 for leadership, especially during challenging times, and expressed confidence in the leaders' ability to address these challenges.
This visit marks Rishi Sunak's first official visit to India since becoming UK Prime Minister in October of the previous year. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the strong historical and cultural ties between India and the UK, with their bilateral relationship evolving into a Strategic Partnership in 2004.