S Jaishankar Meets Rishi Sunak On Diwali, Gifts Bat With Virat Kohli’s Autograph

London: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, who is on a visit to the UK, celebrated Diwali with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty at 10 Downing Street on Sunday.

Besides conveying the best wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Diwali, Jaishankar also presented Sunak a Lord Ganesha statue and a cricket bat signed by Indian batting great Virat Kohli.

Taking to his official handle on X, the EAM shared details about his meeting with the UK PM. “Delighted to call on Prime Minister @RishiSunak on #Diwali Day. Conveyed the best wishes of PM @narendramodi. India and UK are actively engaged in reframing the relationship for contemporary times. Thank Mr. and Mrs. Sunak for their warm reception and gracious hospitality.”

PM Rishi Sunak and his family also lit candles outside 10 Downing Street to celebrate Diwali. Sunak was joined by his wife Akshata Murty and their two daughters, before heading to his home city of Southampton to continue celebrations.

Jaishankar and his wife Kyoko later offered prayers at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple) in London.

The EAM is currently on an official visit to meet his UK counterpart, James Cleverly. His visit, which began on Saturday, will conclude on November 15. The itinerary of his visit also includes meetings with several other dignitaries amid a “growing bilateral partnership”.