No crowds of wellwishers and business reception cancelled as India's capital shuts down for world leaders' gathering, but PM and wife Akshata Murty make the most of visiting schoolchildren
, arguably as well known a figure as Mr Sunak in India, stole the show, playing football barefooted with children in the courtyard of the Council’s buildings in the centre of town.
And Mr Sunak may find Ms Murty gives him a diplomatic boost as he rubs shoulders with G20 leaders and their spouses at a banquet hosted by Mr Modi on Saturday night.Mr Sunak has also used the visit to reflect on how “special” it is for him to be visiting the country of his forefathers, and, on a trip Downing Street has described as “an historic moment”.
On the plane to Delhi, he told reporters: “I was meant to go actually in 2020 – we take our family typically in February half term every year – and I got made chancellor right before and I didn’t get to go with the rest of my family then so I haven’t been for a little while. “It’s obviously special. I saw somewhere that I was referred to as India’s son-in-law, which I hope was meant affectionately. But look, I’m excited to be back.”
Leaning into his heritage, Mr Sunak also used an interview with Indian broadcasters to make clear his “enormous respect” for “Modi ji” .
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