2024-07-05 22:10:02
Wishing the first British Indian PM Sunak the best in future, PM Modi wrote on X, “Thank you Rishi Sunak for your admirable leadership of the UK, and your active contribution to deepen the ties between India and the UK during your term in office.Best wishes to you and your family for the future.
Rishi Sunak, Britain’s first PM of Indian heritage, conceded defeat after the Conservative Party saw a historic plunge in seats following a 14-year governance period. This marked the end of his premiership, just 20 months after being sworn in amidst the party’s political turmoil. Despite the loss, Sunak’s legacy remains significant due to his trailblazing role and various achievements during his time in office.
“The British people have delivered a sobering verdict and there is much to learn and reflect on,” Sunak acknowledged during his acceptance speech in Richmond and Northallerton. He added, “I take responsibility for the loss. To the many good, hard-working Conservative candidates who have lost, despite their tireless efforts, their local records and dedication to their communities, I am sorry.”
In October 2022, Sunak became the Conservative Party leader on Diwali day and entered 10 Downing Street as the youngest PM in 210 years and the country’s first non-white leader.
He faced a daunting period marked by high inflation exacerbated by his predecessor Liz Truss’ mini-budget. While he managed to bring inflation down, a broader anti-incumbency sentiment against his divided party grew stronger.
Sunak, born to Indian-descent parents who migrated from Kenya to the UK in the 1960s, emerged as a key figure during the Covid pandemic when he was Britain’s first Indian-origin Chancellor. Under his financial stewardship, he aimed to reassure a panicked public. However, his relationship with then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson deteriorated amidst Johnson’s loss of popularity due to the “partygate” scandal.
Sunak’s responsibilities as Prime Minister included negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with India, which stalled during the 14th round of negotiations.
Sunak had addressed Parliament to clarify his ties to India, saying, “For the record, let me declare that as is a matter of public record, I and my family are of Indian origin. My wife and her family are Indian citizens with financial interests in India.” He referenced his wife Akshata Murty’s shares in Infosys, a company co-founded by her father Narayana Murthy.
Sunak, who met his wife while studying at Stanford University, rose quickly in the Conservative Party since being elected Member of Parliament from Richmond, a Tory stronghold, in 2015. His spirited #Ready4Rishi leadership campaign in July 2022 marked a rapid ascent through the party ranks, from junior ministerial posts to Chancellor of the Exchequer.
PM Modi also congratulated the new British PM Keir Starmer on the landslide victory of the Labour Party. “Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Keir Starmer on the remarkable victory in the UK general elections. I look forward to our positive and constructive collaboration to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in all areas, fostering mutual growth and prosperity,” he wrote on X.
