the South Asian nation in January last year, but the trip was cancelled owing to a new wave of COVID-19, triggered by the Alpha variant, which swept the United Kingdom. Subsequently, No 10 attempted to reschedule the visit to last April, but that was also cancelled after India was struck by its own Coronavirus infections propelled by the Delta variant of the virus. A year later, PM Johnson’s visit to India will finally commence this week, and will focus on “the things that really matter” to the people of both nations.
His visit comes amid growing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late-February. Over the past few weeks, PM Johnson emerged as a leader of the international pro-Ukraine coalition, particularly as a result of his surprise visit to the war-torn nation. However, an advance government briefing about his India visit did not mention the war, on which the South Asian nation has taken a rather controversial stance. Unlike most of allies, Delhi has not loosened its close links with Moscow over its aggression in Ukraine, and even abstained in the United Nations vote condemning the Russian invasion, last month.
“As we face threats to our peace and prosperity from autocratic states, it is vital that democracies and friends stick together,” the British leader said on Sunday (17 April), adding that India, is “a highly valued strategic partner for the UK in these uncertain times”. “My visit to India will deliver on the things that really matter to the people of both our nations – from job creation and economic growth to energy security and defence,” he said. PM Johnson’s visit, which will commence in Gujarat, will mark the first time a British Prime Minister has visited the state. He will visit New Delhi the following day, for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a range of matters, including the UK-India free trade agreement that is currently under negotiation.
