Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of Indian heritage, has made a historic arrival in Delhi for the G20 summit, a gathering of leaders from the world’s 19 largest economies, along with representation from the European Union. This momentous visit marks the first time a Prime Minister of Indian descent has visited India.
Official sources from No 10 have described this visit as “historic,” emphasizing its significance as a reminder of the strong and enduring connection between the United Kingdom and India. The term “living bridge” has been used to underscore the deep cultural and economic ties that bind the two nations.
Accompanying Mr. Sunak on this diplomatic journey is his wife, Akshata Murty. Ms. Murty was born and raised in India and is the daughter of one of India’s wealthiest individuals, adding a unique dimension to the visit.
The G20 summit is often characterized as a diplomatic “blancmange” due to the diverse nature of its member nations, many of which share little in common beyond their economic prowess. However, this diversity is precisely the purpose of the G20 – bringing together the countries that serve as the global economic engine.
Originating in 1999 and gaining prominence following the 2008 financial crisis, the G20 focuses on broad discussions addressing global challenges. Moreover, it offers leaders the opportunity for one-on-one meetings, commonly referred to as “bilaterals.”
During his journey to the summit, Mr. Sunak expressed his excitement at returning to India, a nation he holds dear. He even commented on his affectionate moniker, “India’s son-in-law,” which has been applied to him.
While the guest list included some of the world’s most powerful leaders, there were notable absences. Russian President Vladimir Putin was absent for the second consecutive year, prompting criticism from Mr. Sunak. The Prime Minister remarked on Putin’s self-imposed diplomatic isolation, contrasting it with the cooperative spirit of the rest of the G20.
However, the absence of President Xi of China adds complexity to the situation, as not all G20 members share equal commitment to addressing issues such as Ukraine. India, for instance, continues to purchase significant quantities of oil from Russia.
Regarding potential meetings at the summit, Mr. Sunak remained coy about meeting Chinese Premier Li Qiang, stating that he expects to meet a range of individuals during the event.
A highlight of Mr. Sunak’s visit will be his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which discussions on a potential UK-India free trade agreement are expected. There is growing optimism that such a deal may be reached soon, with India’s Finance Minister expressing hope for a conclusion before the year’s end. Downing Street, however, remains cautious, emphasizing that a deal is not guaranteed and should prioritize quality over speed.
The issue of visas with greater flexibility has been a longstanding point of contention in the negotiations. The UK government clarified that immigration matters are separate from the trade deal, focusing on business mobility for specific purposes.
In response, Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy criticized the Conservatives, alleging that they had promised the trade deal would be completed by the previous October. He also characterized Mr. Sunak’s global standing as that of a “minnow” on the international stage. The G20 summit, with its diverse mix of leaders and global challenges, promises to be an important event where economic and diplomatic discussions will take center stage.
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