Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Starmer hosts Downing Street Diwali party as he recognises “rich contribution” of Indian community

Starmer hosts Downing Street Diwali party as he recognises “rich contribution” of Indian community
Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosts a reception to celebrate Diwali in 10 Downing Street. Picture by Simon Dawson

Prime minister Keir Starmer has vowed that the Indian community will be at the “heart of government” under his leadership.

Speaking at a Diwali event he hosted at Downing Street on Tuesday (29), Starmer said: “You're entitled to be here because this is our government of service, it's your government of service, and you should treat this place as your place just as much as it's ours.”


Having been warmly embraced in Diwali events across the country in previous years, and also seen first-hand the work places such as temples and community centres did to support people during the pandemic, Starmer said the Indian community will always be welcomed at Downing Street.

“It's right that having welcomed me, you should know that you aren't just welcome here, you're necessary here at the heart of government,” he said.

“I said on the steps of Downing Street the day after the election, that we would be a government of service, and that means that we service all of our communities.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and members of the ​​Arunima Kumar Dance Company hold candles at the doorstep of 10 Downing Street during, as Larry the cat passes by, during a reception to celebrate Diwali in London, Britain.

He added that his government will work with the Indian community, guided by their shared values of “hard work, respect and service”.

The prime minister evoked the virtues of the festival of lights when reflecting on bringing communities together.

“The celebration of Diwali, a time of coming together, a time to fix our eyes on the light which triumphs over the darkness. And that is quite a profound thing to just reflect on because that is really important in the world today because there's no doubt that we live in a more volatile world now than we have before,” he said.

“There seems to be a lot of darkness across the world and having that celebration of the light overcoming darkness is very, very important. It gives us hope and steadies us. It gives us joy alongside that hope that drives your seva, but also your hard work, your ambition, your aspiration and hope for a better future. And that's the hope that drives this government too, hope for a better future.”

The evening saw the lighting of the lamp, prayers recited by Vishaka Dasi from Bhaktivedanta Manor and Hetal Patel from the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, in Neasden.

Seema Malhotra, migration and citizenship, and race equality minister, introduced the Arunima Kumar Dance Company who performed a traditional Kuchipudi dance.

The Arunima Kumar Dance Company performed a traditional Kuchipudi dance

“Arunima Kumar and her students, Arushi and Aishwarya, performance depicts the divine female energy, followed by duplication to the Lord Ram, which embodies the values of righteousness and integrity. It symbolises the victory of good over evil and light over darkness that Diwali represents,” said Malhotra.

Among the guests in attendance were senior cabinet ministers and many of the new intake of Asian MPs including deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, health secretary West Streeting, work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall, Kanishka Narayan MP for Vale of Glamorgan, Dr Zubir Ahmed MP for Glasgow South, Smethwick MP Gurdiner Singh Josan and Wolverhampton Noth East MP Sureena Brackenbridge.

The Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswamy also joined celebration along with Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Lord Karan Bilimoria, Lord Naren Patel and entrepreneurs who included Surinder Arora. Rishi Khosla, Jitu Patel, Simon Arora and community leaders from the British Indian community.

Kalpesh Solanki and Shailesh Solanki presented the Prime Minister with the Diwali editions of Garavi Gujarat and Eastern Eye 

Kalpesh Solanki Group, Managing Editor of Asian Media Group and Shailesh Solanki, Executive Editor, presented the Prime Minister with the Diwali editions of Garavi Gujarat and Eastern Eye newspapers. The Prime Minister expressed his thanks for the special editions and the work of the media group, as a strong voice the community.

Starmer said the contribution of this community had “enriched” the lives of people in Britain.

“We value the rich contribution of British Indians across this country to our national life,” he said.

"It is part of who we all are. It enriches all of us, changes all of our lives for the better. We respect our heritage and traditions and recognise the strength of our shared values.”

Starmer reflected on the achievements of his predecessor, Rishi Sunak – Britain's first prime minister of south Asian heritage.

He explained that, putting aside their political difference, it was “incredibly powerful for our diverse country to see the first British Asian Prime Minister.”

The prime minister added that he would look strengthen the UK’s “valued” relationship with India that would build on a long and shared history, to a “long and shared future together”.

More For You

Dhanush & young son Linga
Instagram Screengrab/life_of_aakash/redgiantmovies_

Dhanush stuns fans as young son Linga joins him for impromptu dance at 'Idli Kadai’ audio launch

Highlights:

  • Actor-director Dhanush performed live with composer GV Prakash at Chennai event.
  • Youngest son Linga joined his father on stage, dancing alongside him.
  • Dhanush recounted childhood memories that inspired the story of Idli Kadai.
  • The film, featuring a star-studded cast, is set to release on 1 October.

Dhanush delighted fans at the Idli Kadai audio launch in Chennai with a touching father-son moment, performing the film’s hit song Enjami Thandhaane alongside music composer GV Prakash. The actor’s youngest son, Linga, joined him on stage, creating a heartfelt moment that resonated with audiences. Dhanush also shared personal childhood memories, revealing how his love for idlis inspired the upcoming film.

Dhanush & young son Linga Dhanush stuns fans as young son Linga joins him for impromptu dance at 'Idli Kadai’ audio launch Instagram Screengrab/life_of_aakash/redgiantmovies_

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump

Trump said the suspect had been arrested earlier for 'terrible crimes,' including child sex abuse, grand theft auto and false imprisonment, but was released under the Biden administration because Cuba refused to take him back.

Getty Images

Trump says accused in Dallas motel beheading will face first-degree murder charge

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has described Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, the Indian-origin motel manager killed in Dallas, as a “well-respected person” and said the accused will face a first-degree murder charge.

Nagamallaiah, 50, was killed last week at the Downtown Suites motel by co-worker Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, a 37-year-old undocumented Cuban immigrant with a criminal history.

Keep ReadingShow less
AI art

Two leading AI tools shaping digital art

Seedream 4.0 / Nano Banana

Seedream 4.0 and Nano Banana fuel AI art craze themed around Bollywood

Highlights

  • Two leading AI tools shaping digital art, Seedream 4.0 and Google’s Gemini Nano Banana
  • Seedream 4.0 generates high-resolution imaginative visuals in multiple styles
  • Nano Banana transforms selfies into retro Bollywood-inspired portraits
  • Viral on Instagram, TikTok, and X, with global audiences engaging
  • Experts highlight data privacy, authenticity, and ethical concerns

AI-powered creativity is sweeping social media, with Seedream 4.0 and Nano Banana AI capturing the imagination of users worldwide. Seedream 4.0 is designed for digital artists and hobbyists who want to create detailed, high-quality visuals in a wide range of styles, from realistic landscapes to abstract scenes. Nano Banana, on the other hand, allows users to turn selfies into 1990s Bollywood-inspired portraits, often featuring traditional South Asian attire and nostalgic retro backdrops.

A global viral phenomenon


Both tools have seen rapid adoption in 2025. Seedream 4.0 attracts those seeking versatile, high-resolution creative outputs. Nano Banana has gone viral for its playful, culturally resonant edits. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X are flooded with creations from influencers, celebrities, and everyday users, showing the broad appeal of AI-driven art.

Keep ReadingShow less
James Bourne quits McFly tour

James Bourne confirms his exit from the McFly and Busted joint tour hours before opening night

Getty Images/Instagram/busted

James Bourne quits McFly tour just hours before launch sparking shock over mystery health battle

Highlights:

  • James Bourne announces exit from the joint tour just hours before its launch
  • The Busted star says he is not well enough to perform
  • McFly and Busted will continue the tour as planned without him
  • Fellow bandmates and fans send messages of support and encouragement

In an unexpected turn, James Bourne has pulled out of the much-anticipated McFly tour, just hours before the opening show in Birmingham. The Busted star shared that ongoing health issues have forced him to withdraw from the joint run, which was due to see both bands performing their greatest hits on the same stage. His decision comes as a major blow to fans who had been awaiting this collaboration.

James Bourne quits McFly tour James Bourne confirms his exit from the McFly and Busted joint tour hours before opening night Getty Images/Instagram/busted

Keep ReadingShow less
Street Fighter

Street Fighter is now in production

Vidyut Jammwal steps into 'Street Fighter' arena as Dhalsim to face Hollywood heavyweights in brutal 1993 tournament

Highlights:

  • The live-action Street Fighter film will release in October 2026 via Paramount Pictures
  • Indian star Vidyut Jammwal plays Dhalsim in the multicultural ensemble cast
  • The film is directed by Kitao Sakurai and shot for IMAX
  • Set in 1993, the story follows Ryu and Ken returning for a high-stakes World Warrior Tournament

The upcoming Street Fighter movie is gearing up for a worldwide release in October 2026 under Paramount Pictures, and the buzz around Vidyut Jammwal in Street Fighter is already hyping fans. Bringing together a diverse international line-up, this live-action adaptation aims to reintroduce the beloved gaming saga to a new generation while tapping into the nostalgia of its 1990s arcade roots.

Street Fighter Street Fighter is now in production Instagram/streetfightermovie

Keep ReadingShow less