November 3, 2023
2 mins read

Starmer Seeks Closer Ties with India

Starmer was joined by Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves and shadow minister for International Development Lisa Nandy at the event…reports Asian Lite News

Expressing his gratitude to the Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities in the UK, opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer joined top members of the British Indian community, including Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami, to celebrate Diwali.

In the event hosted on Tuesday by the British Asian Trust, a charity founded by The King in 2007, Starmer lit the symbolic ‘diya’ and also addressed the Indian diaspora.

“In dark times such as these, it is more important than ever that we focus on a positive future in which we work together across communities and faiths. Only by doing so will we ensure that everyone, no matter their background, has an opportunity for a peaceful, fulfilled and happy life,” Starmer said.

“Tonight I reiterate my gratitude to the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities for the enormous contribution they make to this great country of ours. Your positive impact is felt across so many spheres and sectors, and that your contribution is pursued in accordance with your spiritual convictions, reflects the powerful message of Diwali.”

Starmer was joined by Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves and shadow minister for International Development Lisa Nandy at the event.

The event highlighted some of the British Asian Trust’s achievements, including a major mental health programme across South Asia and the launch of a $50 million Child Opportunity Fund set up to give millions of children better opportunities for the future.

Chair of the British Asian Trust, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, said that the community is “delighted to celebrate Diwali with Sir Keir Starmer and we hope this helps us to shine a light on the important work we do across South Asia”.

In June this year, Starmer had emphasised the importance of “modern India” and said that “a strategic partnership with India will be key” to a future Labour government.

The Labour party has had an uncomfortable relationship with India after the party under Jeremy Corbyn unanimously passed a motion on Kashmir at the 2019 Labour conference.

But speaking on June 26 at the India Global Forum’s UK-India Week 2023, Starmer said he hoped to visit India soon and was “resetting the relationship”, and that “this is a changed Labour party”.

ALSO READ-Hindu Forum of Europe marks Diwali at European Parliament

Previous Story

Gaza Health Ministry Pleads for Protection of Hospitals

Next Story

Israeli Ground Invasion Nears Gates of Gaza City

Latest from -Top News

Bangladesh Elections on EU Radar

EU Pre-Election Team to Visit Bangladesh in September Ahead of 13th Parliamentary Polls…reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh Election Commission’s Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced on Monday that a European Union (EU) pre-election

After Pakistan, China Backing Iran Too?

China and Iran signed a 25-year comprehensive cooperation agreement that covered trade, energy and security, showcasing the strategic value that Beijing places on Tehran….reports Asian Lite News Despite its long-standing claims of

US-India ties is a slow-motion catastrophe

For the first time in two decades, Trump’s actions, statements, and coercive tone have made relations with the US a combustible domestic political issue in India, writes Manoj Menon The post-globalisation uncertainty

Modi Welcomes Marcos Jr to Delhi

PM Modi Welcomes Philippines President Marcos Jr to Strengthen India-Philippines Ties…reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday warmly welcomed Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr at Hyderabad House in

Is Bangladesh Turning Into a Theocratic State?

The rise of radical Islamic influence under Yunus’s watch threatens to transform Bangladesh from a secular democracy into a theocratic state….writes Anna Mahjar-Barducci Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus’s transition from economist
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Starmer says budget is ‘bereft of ideas’

Sir Keir called the move, which is expected to raise

Rishi Puts Starmer in a fix over taxes

Sunak tried to boost his center-right party’s dismal outlook by