On his first trip to India since becoming prime minister, Mr Sunak said trade deals it's a lot of work and a lot of time' Photo: Simon Walker/No. 10 Downing Street
Rishi Sunak said he would not “sacrifice quality for speed” in talks on a trade deal with India as the Foreign Secretary refused to say whether an agreement would be reached before the next general took over . elections.
Arriving in Delhi on Friday on his first trip to India since entering Downing Street, the Prime Minister said trade deals «take a lot of work and a lot of time», adding: «We need to end up with something which really works for both sides.”
Ahead of the G20 summit on Saturday, Mr Sunak met children at the British Council headquarters in Delhi with his wife Akshata, receiving a ceremonial welcome in a country where some circles call him “India’s son-in-law.” -law.”
During the flight, Mr Sunak, Britain's first Indian-born prime minister, said India was «very near and dear to me». He added that he was «thrilled» to be back with his wife Akshata Murthy — a well-known figure in the country thanks to her father Narayana's success as a billionaire IT entrepreneur and her mother Sudha's work as a teacher and philanthropist — having suspended their annual trips. to India when he became chancellor.
The prime minister is due to address leaders at the opening of the G20 session on One Earth and then hold talks with Narendra Modi, India's prime minister, where a trade deal is likely to be discussed. Mr Sunak has refused to provide more work and student visas to India to secure a trade deal with the country, despite previous pressure from Delhi.
James Cleverley, the Foreign Secretary, told Sky News that any deal must be «mutually beneficial» as he refused to be drawn into the timeline. Important elements of the agreement include disputes over alcohol tariffs and the UK's demands to limit the production of cheap generic drugs.
Government sources told The Telegraph the Prime Minister would not be “forced” to accept a shoddy deal, despite pressure from the Indian government to reach an agreement quickly.
Mr Sunak said: “I never did this.» set artificial deadlines for these trade deals, I have always said that we should not sacrifice quality for speed… Of course, every time I see Prime Minister Modi, we check this, but that is not the main purpose of this visit, and this trip.»
He said: «Of course we want it and we are keen to resolve it as quickly as possible, provided it is truly a win-win trade deal.»
Mr Sunak is also due to hold bilateral talks with Lee Hsien Loong, PM -Minister of Singapore, and Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius on Saturday.
On Friday evening, he announced a new «strategic partnership» with Singapore on economic and security issues.
As they stepped off the plane, the couple was greeted by India's Minister of State. Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
The Prime Minister said “none” of his domestic priorities “can be achieved without working with our international partners.”
He added: “As Prime Minister Minister, I have put the interests of the British people first in my international activities. I guarantee that diplomacy will produce results.
“You have already seen that through deals that will stop illegal migration, make our economy safer and increase trade with our international partners.”
“This New Agreement with Singapore will take us even further on our priorities and ensure that as we chart the future of the global economy, we do so together with our closest partners.”
Joe Biden also arrived in Delhi on Friday and held private talks with Mr Modi at the Prime Minister's official residence. His presence at the summit was previously in doubt after his wife Jill tested positive for Covid.
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