When former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak returned to India for the NDTV World Summit 2025, the visit wasn’t just about global diplomacy or economic dialogue—it was also a deeply personal homecoming marked by nostalgia, sweetness, and celebration. In a candid and light-hearted exchange, Sunak revealed that one of his first stops during his India visit wasn’t a government building or a corporate event—it was a sweet shop.
“I stuffed my face with kulfi,” he laughed, recalling his visit to Delhi’s famous Bengali Sweet Market after a brief stroll through Khan Market, one of the capital’s most iconic shopping destinations.
This simple admission—delivered with warmth and humor—instantly endeared him to audiences. Beyond the chuckles, it offered a glimpse into the man behind the political persona: a leader who still finds comfort and joy in the familiar taste of mithai, a cultural thread that ties Indians across the world.
A Nostalgic Return to Sweet Traditions
For Sunak, who has frequently spoken about his Indian heritage, Diwali holds a special place. He noted that when it comes to preparing for the festival, his Diwali shopping starts with sweets, not suits or speeches.
“When it’s time for Diwali, the first thing I buy is mithai,” he told NDTV. “I went to Khan Market and then straight to Bengali Sweet Market. I had kulfi, and also got jalebi and barfi to take back home.”
The image of a world leader queueing for kulfi and packing boxes of sweets for home is as endearing as it is symbolic. It reflects the enduring power of Indian food culture—especially sweets—in representing love, family, and festivity. Even for those living abroad, a bite of mithai during Diwali can bridge continents, reviving memories of celebration, togetherness, and belonging.
Cultural Identity Beyond Borders
Rishi Sunak, who became the UK’s first Prime Minister of Indian origin, has often embraced his heritage with quiet pride. Whether celebrating Diwali at 10 Downing Street or referencing Indian values in his political speeches, Sunak has shown how deeply those traditions have shaped him.
His NDTV interview reaffirmed that connection. Discussing his upbringing and influences, he shared heartfelt insights about his in-laws—N. R. Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murty, two of India’s most respected figures.
“I learned to be respected from my father-in-law and to be compassionate from my mother-in-law,” Sunak said. “From Sudha Murty, I admire how she can connect with people from all walks of life—I want to learn that from her.”
These reflections humanize a leader often defined by policy and politics, reminding audiences that even the most powerful figures draw strength from simple lessons of empathy and humility—values deeply rooted in Indian family life.
Sweets, Symbolism, and Soft Diplomacy
While Sunak’s remarks were disarmingly personal, they also carried an undercurrent of soft diplomacy. His open affection for Indian traditions, especially food, strengthens cultural bridges between the UK and India—a relationship often tested by trade talks and immigration issues.
By celebrating something as universal as mithai, Sunak indirectly underscored a shared cultural sweetness that transcends politics. His visit to Delhi’s bustling markets wasn’t choreographed diplomacy; it was a spontaneous gesture of cultural connection. And in doing so, he reinforced how festivals like Diwali continue to serve as a reminder of India’s vibrant traditions even among its global diaspora.
A Modern Leader with Traditional Roots
Sunak’s candor stood out not only for its warmth but also for its authenticity. In an era where political figures often curate their public image meticulously, his casual confession—“I stuffed my face with kulfi”—was refreshingly unfiltered. It showed a man comfortable with his dual identity: a British statesman shaped by Indian values, unafraid to show joy in small, culturally meaningful moments.
It also reflects how Indian culture, once confined to its geographic boundaries, has become a global presence—visible in cuisine, festivals, and shared memories. For many Indians abroad, Sunak’s anecdotes resonate deeply; they mirror their own experiences of maintaining tradition while navigating global life.
A Sweet Connection That Resonates
Rishi Sunak’s story at the NDTV World Summit wasn’t just a charming soundbite. It was a reflection of something larger—how food, memory, and cultural identity can serve as powerful connectors. In celebrating kulfi, jalebi, and barfi, Sunak reminded millions that the flavors of India are more than culinary delights—they are symbols of heritage and happiness.
As India gears up for another festive season filled with lights, laughter, and sweets, Sunak’s words serve as a reminder that no matter how far one travels, the essence of home often lies in the simplest pleasures—a plate of mithai, a family gathering, and the warmth of shared traditions.
In essence, Rishi Sunak’s return to India was not merely diplomatic—it was deeply human.
Through his stories of sweets, family, and learning, he showed that leadership can be grounded in humility, humor, and heartfelt cultural pride. And sometimes, all it takes to unite worlds is a bite of kulfi on a sunny Delhi afternoon.
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