Boris Johnson arrives in Gujrat, seeking to deepen strategic trade & defence ties

After Ahmedabad, Boris Johnson had proceeded to New Delhi to meet PM Modi on Friday, where the focus is on India-UK strategic defence, diplomatic, and economic partnership. 

Johnson stated during his weekly Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) in the House of Commons on Wednesday that the journey to Ahmedabad and New Delhi will build on India’s acceptance to attend the G7 Summit held by the UK in Cornwall last June as a guest country. 

“I will be visiting India to strengthen our strategic trade, defense, and people-to-people links, building on India’s participation in the G7 Carbis Bay conference,” the British Prime Minister told members of Parliament, as per reports by news agency PTI.

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The UK won’t “lecture” India on its Russia-Ukraine stance

Before Johnson’s two-day visit, Downing Street said the UK would not “lecture” India about its UN neutrality on the Russia-Ukraine problem or its decision to increase Russian oil imports. 

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, the UK has been attempting to persuade New Delhi to reduce its reliance on Moscow for oil. 

“This trip is unrelated to the Ukraine situation. Obviously, that’s vital, but we’ve been planning this trip for months. India is a vital partner” Johnson’s official spokesperson told reporters at Downing Street. 

Recent visits by the British Foreign Secretary and the Indian Foreign Minister have increased the UK’s influence on trade, defense, energy and food security. 

“The Prime Minister wanted to go to expand our relationship in trade, investment, security, and green energy. We will discuss all of these topics, including Russia-Ukraine. But we won’t try to lecture or persuade India in any way. We will seek constructive collaboration as a key international partner” a spokeswoman told PTI. 

Edited By: Aaradhana Singh

Published By: Akshaj Joshi