Rishi Sunak has been challenged over his wife’s links to a company that has a presence in Russia.

Appearing on Sky News, the chancellor was asked about the fact that Akshata Murthy has shares in IT company Infosys.

The firm, which has an office in Moscow, was founded by her father, Indian billionaire N.R. Narayana Murthy.

Mr Sunak has urged firms to cut ties with Russia in the wake of Vladimir Putin‘s invasion of Ukraine.

I am urging firms to think very carefully about their investments in Russia and how they may aid the Putin regime.

I also want to make it clear that there is no case for new investment in Russia. https://t.co/jcFL95aLqfpic.twitter.com/6mLd7C2kDM

“I am urging firms to think very carefully about their investments in Russia and how they may aid the Putin regime – and I am also clear that there is no case for new investment in Russia,” he said earlier this month.

Asked about his wife’s shares in Infosys and whether this flew in the face of his own advice to businesses, the chancellor replied: “I’m an elected politician and I’m here to talk to you about what I’m responsible for. My wife is not.”

Pushed by presenter Jayne Secker on whether his family could be benefitting from Putin’s regime, Mr Sunak said: “No, I really don’t think that’s the case.

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“And as I said, the operations of all companies are up to them.

“We’ve put in place significant sanctions and all the companies that we’re responsible for are following those as they rightly should, sending a very strong message to Putin’s aggression.”

The chancellor added he has “absolutely no idea” what Infosys’ response has been to countries introducing wide ranging sanctions on Russia as he has “nothing to do with that company”.

Sky News has approached Ms Murthy for comment.

A spokesperson for Infosys said: “Infosys supports and advocates for peace between Russia and Ukraine.

“Infosys has a small team of employees based out of Russia, that services some of our global clients, locally. We do not have any active business relationships with local Russian enterprises.

“A key priority for Infosys in times of adversity, is to continue extending support to the community. The company has committed $1m towards relief efforts for the victims of war from Ukraine.”

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