New Delhi: Britain’s former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his enthusiasm for attending a major global leadership summit in Delhi this week, highlighting his eagerness to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and engage with India’s emerging leaders. In a video message, Sunak said he looked forward to exploring discussions on global growth and innovation with the country’s young talent.
“Hi India, I am thrilled to be attending this World Summit in Delhi. I’m looking forward to discussing the future of global growth with India’s rising stars,” Sunak said. He added that reconnecting with his “good friend” Prime Minister Modi and meeting the next generation of leaders shaping India’s future would be a highlight of the event.
Ahead of the summit, Sunak held a meeting with Union Health Minister JP Nadda as part of ongoing bilateral engagement efforts. The leaders discussed strengthening India-UK ties and leveraging technology to improve healthcare delivery at the grassroots level. As a gesture of goodwill, Nadda presented Sunak with a Himachali cap and shawl during their warm interaction.
Sunak, born to Indian parents in Southampton with roots in Punjab, made history as the first Indian-origin Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, serving from 2022 to 2024. Proud of his heritage, he has consistently advocated for strong collaboration between India and the UK across economic, security, and scientific sectors. His efforts include initiatives such as the “FinTech Bridge,” which connects London and Mumbai’s financial ecosystems, as well as partnerships in technology, healthcare, and education.
The summit, themed “Edge of the Unknown: Risk. Resolve. Renewal,” spans two days and brings together a global mix of political leaders, innovators, cultural icons, and business visionaries. The forum aims to foster dialogue rooted in courageous questioning and thoughtful exploration, focusing on navigating complexity while embracing shared responsibility and collective action for the future.
Sunak’s participation underscores the growing significance of India-UK ties and the role of Indian-origin leaders in bridging global collaboration with local innovation. His engagement at the summit is expected to provide new momentum for bilateral cooperation and inspire young leaders across the country.