Rishi Sunak has the right approach to relations with India

Editorial: The prime minister claimed the G20 declaration on Ukraine was strong when it was weak but his approach to a trade deal with India is correct

As the first British prime minister of Indian heritage, Rishi Sunak was accorded an especially warm welcome (PA)

Rishi Sunak told the journalists travelling with him to India that he is “fired up” to win the election that most people expect him to lose. He certainly deserves some credit for opening the new political season with some energy. So far all his efforts this year to turn the tide of public opinion that continues to run strongly against him have come to nothing.

Yet he perseveres with the thankless timetable of governing: a party conference, a King’s speech and an autumn statement setting out the government’s fiscal plans. Right now it is the turn of international summitry, at the G20 meeting in New Delhi. To be blunt, there are not many votes in such gatherings but it is nevertheless an important part of the prime minister’s job to use these forums to promote the national interest.