New Delhi: Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and his wife, Akshata Murty, made a visit to the Akshardham Temple in Delhi today. Mr. Sunak is currently in Delhi to participate in the two-day G20 Summit, where world leaders are engaged in discussions on some of the globe’s most pressing issues.
This marks Rishi Sunak’s inaugural official visit to India since assuming office as the Prime Minister of Britain. Security measures were heightened in and around the temple premises. Mr. Sunak, dressed in trousers and a shirt, and his wife, donning a kurta with palazzo pants, arrived at the temple early in the morning and received a traditional welcome.
The UK Prime Minister was warmly greeted by swamis and senior leaders from the Akshardham Mandir, who conveyed a special message on behalf of Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).
During their visit, the British Prime Minister and his wife were provided with an overview of Swaminarayan Akshardham, a sprawling 100-acre spiritual and cultural complex that beautifully represents India’s ancient traditions and architecture while promoting the timeless Hindu spiritual values of faith, devotion, and harmony.
Inside the main temple complex, the couple paid their respects to the sacred images and marveled at the intricate art and architecture. After offering their prayers, Mr. Sunak proceeded to Rajghat to join other delegates in paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi. Expressing his pride in his Hindu heritage, Rishi Sunak had mentioned yesterday his desire to visit a temple during his stay in India. He also shared plans with his wife, Akshata, to revisit some of their favorite Delhi restaurants they used to frequent.
Mr. Sunak expressed his “enormous respect” for Prime Minister Modi and conveyed his eagerness to support him in making the G20 Summit a resounding success. Prime Minister Modi had met with Mr. Sunak on the sidelines of the G20 Summit yesterday, where they discussed strategies to enhance trade connections and boost investment.
These talks between the two leaders follow their meeting during the G7 Summit in Hiroshima earlier this year, where they explored the India-UK free trade agreement, innovation, science, and ways to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between their respective nations.
