Modi, Narayana Murthy join world leaders in congratulating Rishi Sunak, UK’s first Indian-origin Prime Minister

As Rishi Sunak pulled off a coup in British politics by becoming the first person of colour to rise to the Prime ministerial position, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sunak, saying that he looks forward to working closely on global issues.

In a tweet, Modi said: “Warmest congratulations @RishiSunak! As you become UK PM, I look forward to working closely together on global issues, and implementing Roadmap 2030. Special Diwali wishes to the ‘living bridge’ of UK Indians, as we transform our historic ties into a modern partnership”.

The Prime Minister also extended Diwali wishes to the Indian diaspora in the UK–often referred to as the “living bridge”.

Roadmap 2030 was adopted by the two countries in 2021 and aims to strengthen UK-India relations across climate issues, trade, defence, health, science & technology and also education.

The UK and India are currently taking their relations to the next level and signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) deal that is almost done barring last-minute negotiations. The two nations seek to enhance cooperation on many fronts owing to the turmoil in the Indo-Pacific and also because of Brexit.

Sunak, who is married to Indian IT czar and Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy’s daughter Akshata Murthy, was also congratulated by his father-in-law.

In a statement Murthy said: “Congratulations to Rishi. We are proud of him and we wish him success. We are confident he will do his best for the people of the United Kingdom”. Sunak too holds his in-laws in high esteem and has said so during leadership debates.

Sunak and Akshata met while studying at Stanford university and decided to get married. Sunak was a Fulbright Scholar at Stanford and had earlier studied at Oxford University.

Akshata’s non-domicile status in the UK and allegations of tax evasion cast their shadow on Sunak’s career as the Chancellor under Boris Johnson. He, however, clarified that Akshata had been paying all taxes under British laws.

By ascending to the top position in British politics and taking over the leadership of the Conservative Party, Sunak has created history. Sunak also becomes the youngest British PM at 42 years in almost two hundred years.

US President Joe Biden too referred to Sunak’s elevation as a “ground-breaking” milestone. “And whether it’s the United Kingdom, where just today we’ve got the news that Rishi Sunak is now the Prime Minister… As my brother would say, Go figure! And the Conservative Party! (Sunak) is expected to become the prime minister, I think, tomorrow when he goes to see the king. Pretty astounding. A ground-breaking milestone. And it matters. It matters”, Biden said to applause during a White House Diwali event.

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