Prior to the second day of the G20 Summit held in New Delhi, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, along with his spouse Akshata Murty, paid a visit to the Akshardham temple on Sunday morning. At this sacred place of worship, the 43-year-old leader engaged in religious rituals, including performing pooja and aarti.
The Director of Akshardham Temple, Jyotindra Dave, conveyed to a news agency that Sunak's visit left a profound impression. Dave noted that the UK PM actively participated in the Pooja and Aarti ceremonies, displaying immense devotion. During his visit, Sunak received a guided tour of the temple, and the temple management presented him with a model of the temple as a token of appreciation. Dave also mentioned that Sunak thoroughly enjoyed his time there and extended his visit. Sunak's wife also expressed her immense satisfaction with the majestic temple located in the national capital region.
In anticipation of the UK Prime Minister's arrival, comprehensive security measures were put in place both inside and around the temple premises. Security personnel were deployed along the routes to ensure a smooth and secure journey for the PM.
Upon his arrival in India on Friday, Sunak reportedly spoke about his strong connection to his Hindu heritage, saying, "It's the way I was brought up, and it remains an integral part of who I am," as reported by the news agency. He also mentioned his collection of Rakhis from his sister and cousin, which he cherishes. Regrettably, due to time constraints, he couldn't partake in the Janmashtami festivities, but he expressed his desire to make amends during this visit to an Indian temple.
Additionally, Sunak emphasized the importance of faith, highlighting its role in providing strength and resilience during challenging times.
Sunak's current visit to India marks his first official trip to the country as Prime Minister, following his assumption of the UK Prime Minister's office in October 2022.
