Rishi Sunak, the first Chancellor of the Exchequer of Indian descent, was considered the front-runner to succeed Boris Johnson as Prime Minister of the UK a few months ago. Johnson, however, was able to remain in Downing Street despite major misconduct claims, including the Partygate scandal.
Following inquiries into the tax status of Sunak’s wife Akshata Murthy—the daughter of Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy and writer Sudha Murthy—Sunak also received some criticisms.
As per the news sources, Sunak, 42, discussed how people, trade and innovation would drive India-UK connections in a conversation with the media before attending the India Global Forum’s UK-India awards. He also discussed the free trade agreement (FTA), the immigration system, financial services and working in his mother’s pharmacy.
He stressed that the two nations were in a “relationship of equals” and that “the UK is highly supportive of India assuming a leading role in the region and in the globe”. Sunak, who was answering questions while seated in his office at the Treasury, graciously acknowledged that British perceptions of India had not yet caught up with the facts.
Sunak is actively involved in the FTA talks and is aware of its potential. On June 24, India and the UK wrapped up the fourth round of negotiations for an FTA.
“India is a forward-thinking nation that is focused on the future. The position of being looked up to by India should not be taken for granted by Britain, according to Sunak.
Both nations anticipate that the FTA will simplify the process of exchanging services. Sunak reaffirmed that stronger defence and security cooperation will go a long way in fostering the relationship between the two nations, citing the Covishield vaccine for the Covid-19 infection as an excellent illustration of India and the UK working together.
Oxford University and Cambridge-based AstraZeneca created Covishield, which is produced by the Serum Institute of India.
According to Sunak, companies and consumers ultimately drive commerce between India and the UK. Just over £8 billion of UK exports and £15 billion of imports go to India. We want both of those figures to increase, he added, noting that the trade agreement will lower the obstacles.
