New Delhi, Oct 17 (PTI) In a world that is becoming "more protectionist", countries like India and the UK signing a "big trade deal", sends a "very positive signal" to the world, former British prime minister Rishi Sunak said on Friday.

In an interactive session held at NDTV World Summit here, he also said it was "great" to see the trade deal being signed recently, "something I started worked on, and I am glad the new government concluded it." In July, India and the United Kingdom signed a bilateral free trade agreement, Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), marking a major milestone in their longstanding partnership.

During the session, Sunak was asked about the trade deal and the way forward for the India-UK ties.

"In a world that is becoming more protectionist, countries like India and the UK signing a big trade deal sends a very positive signal to the world. It tells businesses, civil society, the cultural organisations (and) academic institutions that the relationship matters," he said.

"They are getting a signal from the leaders of the two countries that this relationship matters to our governments," the former British PM said.

The two countries are inextricably linked by ties of history, culture, families, and increasingly, economically as well, he asserted.

"India means an enormous amount to me, but it also means a lot to the UK," the British leader said.

He was also asked about his Indian ancestry, interest in cricket and his faith.

"My story, I am of Indian heritage. My family came to the UK from India via East Africa. I was raised by Hindu faith, very important part of my upbringing. And, that is why when I first became a Member of Parliament, I took my oath of office on the Bhagawad Gita, and always had in Downing Street, both as Chancellor and as Prime Minister, little (Lord) Ganesh (idol) on my desk, in Downing Street," he said.

Sunak also shared that his in-laws also helped him during his election campaigns in the UK by going door-to-door and distributing leaflets.

"But, the most important thing that they have done for me is to make sure I have fallen in love with IPL team RCB," he said.

"Earlier this year, I was very fortunate to got to Ahmedabad...to see the IPL final. And that final really struck me. I went down to meet the team afterwards to celebrate; so many Brits there, playing in the team, demonstrates the link between the two countries," he said.

He also said that cricketer Rahul Dravid was his favourite player while growing up. PTI KND AMJ AMJ

India-UK trade deal sends positive signal against rising protectionism, affirming economic ties, market access and business confidence. India and the United Kingdom concluded a bilateral free trade agreement-the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement-framed as a trade liberalisation step countering protectionism that signals governmental priority, aims to deepen market access, bolster business confidence, and strengthen economic ties alongside historical and cultural links.