The Prince of Wales will hold bilateral talks with India’s President Ram Nath Kovind as he begins a two-day visit to the Asian nation.

Charles will meet India’s head of state in the capital New Delhi during a busy day which will also see him mark the 550th anniversary of the birth of the founder of the Sikh religion.

In a message to Britain’s Sikh community, and others in the Commonwealth, Charles has said: “The principles on which Guru Nanak founded the Sikh religion, and which guide your lives to this day, are ones which can inspire us all – hard work, fairness, respect and selfless service to others.

“In embodying these values, Sikhs have made the most profound contribution to the life of this country, and continue to do so.”

The British High Commission in New Delhi said Charles’ 10th official visit to the country would “celebrate enduring British-Indian ties, with a focus on shared global challenges such as sustainability and climate change”.

The Prince of Wales is given a demonstration of an e-rickshaw at the Indian MET office in New Delhi
The Prince of Wales is given a demonstration of an e-rickshaw at the Indian MET office in New Delhi (Victoria Jones/PA)

Charles will also take part in a discussion on how to strengthen disaster resilience and tackle the effects of climate change at the Indian Meteorological Department.

He will later attend a military service to commemorate the sacrifices of service personnel from India, the UK and across the Commonwealth in the two World Wars.

British High Commissioner to India Sir Dominic Asquith said of the prince: “His many visits to India and his enduring interest in promoting our common interests is another example of the living bridge between the United Kingdom and India.”

During the day, Charles will also present a Commonwealth Points of Light award to an Indian woman for her exemplary contribution to the field of social development.