Former UK PM Rishi Sunak and Family Meet PM Modi, Visit Parliament House in India

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, along with his family, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday, engaging in a significant discussion covering various subjects. Their meeting underscored the strengthening of India-UK relations, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation.

Taking to social media platform X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight over the meeting, referring to Sunak as a "great friend of India."

"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.”

Sunak Meets Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Earlier in the day, Rishi Sunak also met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, where they explored potential new avenues to enhance market-driven financial cooperation between India and the UK. Their conversation focused on leveraging the Commonwealth as a strategic platform to introduce issues of mutual interest to the G7 agenda, ensuring greater benefits for the Global South.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Family Visits Parliament House

During his trip, Rishi Sunak, along with his wife Akshata Murty and daughters Krishna and Anoushka, visited Parliament House on Tuesday. They were accompanied by Sudha Murthy, a Rajya Sabha MP and mother of Akshata Murty.

The Sunak family was warmly welcomed by Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh and Rajya Sabha Secretary General P C Mody.

As they explored the architectural grandeur of the Parliament House Complex, they visited key landmarks such as:

• The Galleries

• Chambers

• Constitution Hall

• Samvidhan Sadan

Rishi Sunak Meets External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar

On Monday, Rishi Sunak held discussions with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. The meeting reaffirmed India and the UK’s commitment to deepening diplomatic ties and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

EAM Jaishankar took to X to acknowledge the meeting, saying:

"Nice to meet former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Delhi today. Appreciate his constant support for strengthening India-UK relations."

Rishi Sunak’s Indian Heritage and Connection to India

Born in Southampton, UK, to Indian parents with roots in Punjab, Rishi Sunak made history as the first Indian-origin leader to serve as the UK Prime Minister from 2022 to 2024. Throughout his tenure, he emphasized the strategic importance of India-UK ties.

During his visit, Sunak reiterated India's role as an "indispensable partner" of the UK, particularly in areas of trade, technology, and diplomacy.

Sunak’s Recent Visits in India

Rishi Sunak’s current visit to India includes various engagements aimed at strengthening personal and diplomatic ties. On February 15, 2025, he, along with his family, visited the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, capturing a memorable experience of India’s cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Rishi Sunak’s visit to India marks a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of India-UK relations. His meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar underscored the deep-rooted diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. From discussing financial partnerships to strengthening market-based cooperation, Sunak’s engagements reflect a commitment to advancing bilateral ties.

Beyond official meetings, Sunak’s visit to Parliament House and the Taj Mahal showcased his personal connection to India, further cemented by his Indian heritage and Punjabi roots. His statements recognizing India as an “indispensable partner” reinforce the UK’s vision of a stronger alliance with India in global affairs.

As both nations navigate emerging economic and geopolitical challenges, Sunak’s visit paves the way for deeper cooperation in trade, technology, and diplomacy. This visit serves as a testament to the growing strategic partnership between India and the UK.