External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple here on the occasion of Diwali and prayed for peace, harmony and prosperity for Indians settled there across the world. Just a few hours before this, he had met British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in ‘Downing Street’.
’10 Downing Street’ is the residence and office of the Prime Minister. Jaishankar is on a five-day official visit to Britain with the aim of reviewing various aspects of bilateral relations and giving ‘new impetus to friendly relations’.
He wrote on social media ‘X’, “Had the privilege of visiting BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London on Diwali. (I) prayed for peace, harmony and prosperity for Indians around the world.
Referring to Indians settled around the world, he said, “It felt good to interact with my community. His contribution is increasing our stature across the world.” Bochasan resident Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Shri Swaminarayan Temple thanked Jaishankar for taking out time to attend Sunday’s Diwali celebrations.
“We appreciate your kind words that inspired the devotees and visitors from the local community who attended the event,” the temple wrote on social media. May the living bridge between Great Britain and Great India become stronger.
Earlier, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy hosted Jaishankar and his wife Kyoko at a ‘tea party’ organized on the occasion of Diwali at ‘Downing Street’ here on Sunday.
The British Prime Minister’s Office wrote on ‘X’, “British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed Dr. Jaishankar at Downing Street this evening. The two extended best wishes as Indian communities across the world begin celebrating Diwali.
Jaishankar wrote on social media ‘X’, “Happy to meet Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the day of Diwali.” I congratulated him on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India and Britain are actively engaged in giving a new shape to their mutual relations according to the contemporary times.
He also thanked Prime Minister Sunak and his wife for extending a warm welcome to him. The Foreign Minister wrote, “Happy Diwali to all.” May this festival of lights bring peace, prosperity and good health in everyone’s life.
In Britain on Monday, Jaishankar is likely to attend an event at Lord’s Cricket Ground and address the Diwali welcome program organized by the Indian High Commission here.
Jaishankar is likely to participate in a discussion on ‘How one billion people see the world’, besides attending a program related to the repatriation of two statues of the Prachan temple in Uttar Pradesh.
It is likely that his discussions with British Foreign Minister James Cleverley will also include preparations for Sunak’s possible visit to India in the next few months.
The Ministry of External Affairs had said in a statement last week, “The bilateral partnership between India and Britain is growing. During this visit, the External Affairs Minister will hold discussions with his British counterpart James Cleverley and will also meet many other dignitaries.
The Ministry of External Affairs also mentioned the ‘warm and rapidly growing’ relations between the two sides. India and Britain have been negotiating a free trade agreement since January last year.
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