Narendra Modi Dials Rishi Sunak, Both PMs Agree On Balanced FTA

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialled 10 Downing Street on Thursday and spoke to Rishi Sunak, his newly-appointed counterpart in the UK.

Congratulating Sunak for being elected leader of Conservative Party and Prime Minister of the UK, Modi briefly discussed important matters with Sunak and said both leaders had agreed on the importance of an early conclusion of a comprehensive and balanced free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.

“Glad to speak to @RishiSunak today. Congratulated him on assuming charge as UK PM. We will work together to further strengthen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We also agreed on the importance of early conclusion of a comprehensive and balanced FTA,” Modi wrote on Twitter.

Sunak, who became the first British Prime Minister of Indian descent on Monday and assumed charge a day later, thanked Modi for his gesture and said he was excited about what the two great democracies could achieve as they deepen their security, defence and economic partnership.

Sunak’s office said Sunak, during his telephonic talk with Modi, described himself as “a visual representation of the historic links between the UK and India.”