London - While UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak enjoyed substantial attention in the Indian media during his visit to Delhi for the G20 Summit, he has faced criticism from Members of Parliament in the House of Commons. They criticized him for not taking a more robust stance against Russia in the G20 Leaders' declaration and for not participating in the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor.

He was also questioned about whether he had raised the issue of Scottish Sikh Jagtar Singh Johal with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and inquired about India's decision to purchase oil from Russia.

The Leader of the Opposition, Sir Keir Starmer, expressed his disappointment with the joint declaration from the weekend, noting that it featured weaker language compared to last year's summit. Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord asked if Sunak shared the perspective of Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, who had suggested that, given the choice, he would have preferred stronger language in the declaration.

Sunak responded, "Because this is not the G7 or, indeed, the G1, it is not for us to solely dictate the language used. Our position on Ukraine is clear, but the G20 comprises a diverse group of countries with varying perspectives on global affairs and values. It would be a mistake to assume it can mirror the consensus seen in the G7."

Conservative MP Rehman Chishti highlighted that India was among the "44 non-aligned states that did not endorse sanctions against Russia, contributing to the delay in resolving the conflict in Ukraine." Chishti also expressed concerns about India's import of Russian oil, suggesting that India might refine this oil and sell resulting products to Europe, potentially circumventing sanctions. He asked, "Did the Prime Minister discuss these matters with PM Modi?"

In response, Sunak stated, "We encourage all countries to follow our lead and the lead of others in imposing sanctions on Russia, recognizing that each country may approach this issue differently."

Labour MP Barry Sheerman wondered if the UK Prime Minister had queried his Indian counterpart about why he had not condemned Russia regarding the Ukraine issue. He further raised concerns about the persecution of Muslims and Christians, including the destruction of their places of worship, and asked if these matters were discussed.

Sunak replied, "The Prime Minister and I discussed a wide range of issues."

Regarding the UK's absence from the economic corridor designed to counter China's Belt and Road Initiative, Sunak clarified that this agreement had not been signed by Canada, Japan, or Italy either. He also mentioned that he had discussed the Jagtar Singh Johal case with Prime Minister Modi.