Prime Minister Boris Johnson on 5 January spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to express his regret that he will be unable to visit India later this month as planned. Prime Minister Boris Johnson was meant to attend India’s Republic Day celebration in New Delhi on 26 January 2021.
In light of the national lockdown announced on 4 January, and the speed at which the new coronavirus variant is spreading, the Prime Minister said that it was important for him to remain in the UK so he can focus on the domestic response to the virus.
The leaders underlined their shared commitment to the bilateral relationship, and to continuing to build on the close collaboration between our countries – including in response to the pandemic.
The Prime Minister said that he hopes to be able to visit India in the first half of 2021, and ahead of the UK’s G7 Summit that Prime Minister Modi is due to attend as a guest.
In December Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab met Prime Minister Modi to discuss the UK and India working together as a force for good and launching the pioneering new vaccines hub which will share best practice for regulation and clinical trials, and foster innovation.
During his meeting with Prime Minister Modi, the Foreign Secretary signalled his ambition for a closer UK-India relationship as part of a wider UK focus on the partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. They also spoke about the 10-year roadmap which heralds a new era for the UK and India with an ambitious plan for an Enhanced Trade Partnership.
