Bearhugging Rishi Sunak and Narendra Modi agree to move full steam ahead with post-Brexit trade deal
RISHI Sunak and Indian PM Narendra Modi agreed to move full steam ahead to do a post Brexit trade deal – as they bearhugged at the G20.
The Indian leader also hailed the Rishimania sweeping his country, as Mr Sunak makes his historic visit to the country.
He is the first British PM of Indian descent.
Speaking after their summit, Mr Sunak said: “Prime Minister Modi and I had a very warm and productive discussion on a range of different things.
“With regard to the trade deal, there is a desire on both of our parts to see a successful trade deal concluded.
“The opportunities are there for both countries, but there is a lot of hard work that is still to go and we need to work through that, as we will do.”
He added: “It is important for the UK to have a close relationship with India.”
A Downing Street spokesman said Mr Modi “noted the warm reception the Prime Minister has received in India”.
They added: “The leaders had a productive conversation about negotiations on a UK-India Free Trade Agreement.
“The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s ambition to deliver a landmark trade deal which benefits businesses and workers in both countries and grows our trade in both goods and services.
“They agreed that ministers and negotiating teams would continue to work at pace towards an FTA.”
In a sign of the warm relations between Britain and India, Mr Modi wrapped their arms around each other in a big hug.
The PM praised the Indian space mission that saw it successfully land on the far side of the moon last month.
He said: “My daughters who watched the Chandrayaan were so excited.
“Everyone is buzzing. Really incredible. A historic moment for India but also for the world.”