3 Indian-origin MPs in new UK cabinet

LONDON: Leading figures in the Indian diaspora in Britain have welcomed the strong "desi" focus of the new UK government, which has the most Indian-origin members and is the most ethnically diverse cabinet in British history as well as a prime minister with strong Indian ties.
Johnson, who has been married to his half-Indian wife, Marina Wheeler, for 26 years and is a frequent traveller to India, gave three cabinet positions to MPs of Indian origin.
Priti Patel, 47, was given the prestigious job of home secretary, making her the most senior Indian-origin MP ever in a British government. Alok Sharma, 51, previously minister of state for employment, was elevated to the role of secretary of state for international development.
The son-in-law of Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy, UK-born Rishi Sunak, 39, was promoted to chief secretary to the treasury and will attend cabinet.
'India-friendly UK govt a unique opportunity to boost bilateral ties'
Rishi Sunak, chief secretary to the treasury, said the cabinet "reflects modern Britain". "People want to see change and the cabinet will deliver that. The British people are fed up with delays and this government is committed to delivering the results of the EU referendum," he said. "We will make sure we are prepared for a no-deal Brexit."
PM Narendra Modi was among the first world leaders to congratulate Boris Johnson on becoming PM. He tweeted a picture of himself sitting with the British PM along with the post: "I wish you success and look forward to working with you to further strengthen India-UK partnership in all spheres."
Indian-origin peer Lord Jitesh Gadhia joked, "You could call this a seriously desi cabinet. There are more Patels and Sharmas in the British cabinet than the Indian cabinet!" But he said it was a bold statement.
UK India Business Council CEO Richard Heald said the business community was pleased to see Johnson appoint such an India-friendly cabinet. "The appointments of Priti Patel, Alok Sharma and Rishi Sunak not only reflect the success of the Indian diaspora in the UK, but also the right people-to-people links. A re-elected Mr Modi and a new India-friendly UK cabinet present a unique opportunity to transform the bilateral relationship."