UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted a summer reception at the 10 Downing Street garden on Wednesday 28 June, to celebrate UK-India week, as part of India Global Forum’s weeklong celebrations. He was joined by wife Akshata in a pink dress and mother-in-law Sudha Murthy in a red saree. Representing Bollywood was actor Vivek Oberoi in a kurta and Sonam Kapoor in a floral saree and coat, while singer Shankar Mahadevan and tabla maestro Zakir Hussain also in Indian attires joined the reception, right before their band Shakti’s concluding performance at the Eventim Apollo.
In attendance among professionals, entrepreneurs, technocrats, diplomats, and politicians, was also the Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami, Deputy Indian High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh, British High Commissioner to India- Alex Ellis, Cllr Reena Ranger OBE and Cllr Ameet Jogia MBE – Co-Chairs of Conservative Friends of India, Indian boxer Mary Kom, Lord Dolar Popat, Lord Jitesh Gadhia and Lord Rami Ranger.
Speaking at the event, PM Sunak, joked about cricket, world cup and his own efforts to play cricket in his garden.
He mentioned that he was specifically looking forward to the upcoming G20 and said, “It’s not just UK-India Week but a whole Indian Summer. And I don’t just mean the hot weather we’re having; I mean that over the next few weeks the eyes of the world will be on India. There’s the G20 in New Delhi, I can’t wait to be there and not just for the mithai.
“And that will only be the prelude to the biggest event of all when India hosts the Cricket World Cup! And I can tell you today that England are taking the prospect of playing India very seriously. They’re not content with warming up against the Aussies, they’ve even overcome a specially chosen British-Indian bowling attack, but sadly that was me, here in this garden!
"I want to say a big thank you to Manoj and the India Global Forum for getting this Indian Summer under way - there is so much to celebrate! The links between our two countries are closer than ever. Just look at the Coronation of His Majesty the King, on that most historic day, people of Indian heritage were at the heart of proceedings, presenting the Coronation regalia and as part of the delegation of faith leaders. It shows the depth of the bonds we share, the living bridge between our two nations, the thriving business links, the flow of ideas and investments, all stronger than ever, thanks in large part to all of you.”
Promising to do more between UK and India, he further said, “Prime Minister Modi and I agree there’s huge potential here. We’re making great progress together on the 2030 Roadmap and we want to strike a truly ambitious trade deal that benefits both our nations, bringing tremendous opportunities to businesses and consumers, both in India and here at home. And we should be ambitious – just look around. Here we are – in Downing Street with a Prime Minister of Indian heritage, with all of you at the top of your game, leaders in your fields, showing that anything is possible. So let’s keep raising our sights and let’s keep scoring boundaries as we build this partnership…”
Guests were treated to refreshments and Indian snacks such as samosa.
