G20 Summit 2023: UK PM Rishi Sunak shares his vision for UK-India relations

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks about his family's Indian origins, deepening bilateral relationships and potential collaborations between the two nations. Here are the highlights

As the G20 Summit 2023 unfolds in New Delhi, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke with ANI about the evolving dynamics of India-UK relations. He highlighted the potential of scientific collaboration between the nations, spoke about his own roots in the country, and shared his perspectives on international concerns. Here is what was said:

 

Deepening bilateral relations

 

Prime Minister Sunak began by emphasising the strong state of bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and India, stating that it was in "good health". He expressed keen interest in deepening and broadening the relationship, highlighting the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a priority for both nations.

 

 

PM Sunak said, "Prime Minister Modi and I are keen to deepen and broaden our relationship. The FTA is an obvious way for us to do that, so it remains our priority. And I said hard work to go, but I hope we can conclude a successful FTA. I think we can strengthen our security relationship as well."

 

He referred to the UK and India as "science technology superpowers" and believed that enhanced cooperation could lead to job creation, the growth of new businesses, and the resolution of global challenges.

#WATCH | G20 in India: On the roadmap for India-UK relations, UK PM Rishi Sunak to ANI says, "I think the bilateral relationship is in good health and Prime Minister Modi and I are keen to deepen and broaden our relationship. The FTA is an obvious way for us to do that, which is… pic.twitter.com/fSELg4t8nK

— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2023

Addressing extremism and security concerns

 

When asked about the Khalistan issue, Prime Minister Sunak clearly stated that no extremism or violence is acceptable in the UK.

 

"It's not right and I won't tolerate it in the UK," the Prime Minister asserted.

 

He affirmed the UK government's commitment to work closely with the Indian government to address Pro-Khalistan Extremism (PKE).

 

He stated, "Our security minister recently was just in India talking to his counterparts. We have working groups together to share intelligence and information so that we can root out this kind of violent extremism. It's not right and I won't tolerate it in the UK."

#WATCH | G-20 in India | On the Khalistan issue, United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to ANI says, "It's a really important question and let me just say unequivocally that no form of extremism or violence like that is acceptable in the UK. And that's why we are working very… pic.twitter.com/443p1vz1pS

— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2023

 

Trade and economic cooperation

 

PM Sunak expressed his respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and their shared ambition to conclude a comprehensive trade deal between India and the UK. While acknowledging the progress made, he recognised that trade deals take time and need to be mutually beneficial.

 

PM Sunak said, "Modi ji and I are keen to see a comprehensive and ambitious trade deal concluded between our two countries. Both of us think there is a good deal to be done. But trade deals always take time, they need to work for both countries"

 

He believed that such economic cooperation had the potential to benefit citizens in both countries significantly.

 

"The teams are working very hard. There's hard work to go but we'll keep working through it. But I think there is an enormous opportunity for both India and the UK to strengthen our economic cooperation, which will bring real benefits to our citizens in both countries," he added.

#WATCH | G 20 in India | On Free Trade Agreement (FTA) under discussion between India and the UK, UK PM Rishi Sunak says, "Both Modi ji and I are keen to see a comprehensive and ambitious trade deal concluded between our two countries. Both of us think there is a good deal to be… pic.twitter.com/xV5WQwg3xm

— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2023

 

Addressing the impact of Russia's actions

 

Prime Minister Sunak pointed out the negative impact on global food prices and the suffering of millions worldwide due to Russia's withdrawal from a grain deal and pledged to use the G20 platform to raise awareness. Sunak believed it was essential to highlight the repercussions of Russia's actions on the international stage.

 

PM Sunak said, "It is not right. One of the things I will be doing is making people aware of the impact of Russia's illegal war."

#WATCH | G 20 in India | UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to ANI, "...When it comes to Ukraine and Russia - one thing I will be doing is highlighting the devastating impact that Russia's illegal invasion is having on millions of people around the world, particularly on food prices.… pic.twitter.com/MqS4oi6YNF

— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2023

 

India's stand on global issues

 

Addressing India's stance on international issues, Prime Minister Sunak underlined the importance of universal values such as respect for the international rule of law, adherence to the UN Charter, and protecting territorial integrity. He stated that it was not for him to tell "India what positions to take on international issues." However, he added, "I know India rightly cares about the international rule of law."

 

#WATCH | G-20 in India: On India's position on Russia and Ukraine, UK PM Rishi Sunak to ANI says, "Well, it's not for me to tell India what positions to take on international issues, but I know India rightly cares about the international rule of law, the UN Charter and respect… pic.twitter.com/DPBdc7iAR1

— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2023

 

G20 Summit success in India

 

Prime Minister Sunak commended India's hosting of the G20 summit, describing it as a "huge success." He noted that the theme, 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or 'One Family,' resonated with his personal experience as a proud Hindu.

 

"I am an example of the incredible living bridge that PM Modi described between the UK and India - almost 2 million like me in the UK of Indian origin. So, it is very special for me to be here as British Prime Minister in the country where my family are from," stated the Prime Minister.
 

He shared his hopes of visiting a Mandir during his stay in India and highlighted the importance of faith in providing resilience and strength.

 

Sunak said, "I think faith is something that helps everybody who has faith in their lives, particularly when you have these stressful jobs like I do. Having faith to give you resilience, to give you strength, is important."

#WATCH | G-20 in India: On his connect with Hinduism, UK PM Rishi Sunak to ANI says, "I'm a proud Hindu, and that's how I was raised. That's how I am. Hopefully, I can visit a Mandir while I'm here for the next couple of days. We just had Raksha Bandhan, so from my sister and my… pic.twitter.com/U5RLdZX3vz

— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2023

 

Personal connection with India
 

Rishi Sunak's connection with India extends beyond diplomacy. He described his return to India as personally unique, as it is a country he loves dearly and the land of his family's and wife's roots. However, he emphasised that his primary purpose was to represent the UK and strengthen ties with India while playing a role in ensuring a successful G20 for the host nation.

 

PM Sunak stated, "I am incredibly proud to be seeing India doing so well"

#WATCH | G 20 in India | On his connect with India and his roots here, UK PM Rishi Sunak says, "...It is personally incredibly special for me to be back in India. It's a country I love dearly, a country where my family are from. But I have come here in this role to represent the… pic.twitter.com/HTH6CBqfIY

— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2023