British Prime Minister cancels plan to visit India

F.P. Report

LONDON: The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled his trip to India that was part of “Global Britain” campaign and a post-Brexit trip.

 As the coronavirus cases spike, the authorities have stated that Prime Minister cancelled plans for a visit to New Delhi later this month after introducing a third lockdown in England that will run until at least the middle of February.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson had accepted an invitation to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his first major trip after Britain completely left the EU.

 It was perceived as a signal of intent to boost the UK’s wider ties around the world. The British authorities shave also informed Indian authorities regarding the cancellation of trip.

While commenting on the decision the Downing Street spokeswoman said,  “Johnson spoke to prime minister Modi this morning, to express his regret that he will be unable to visit India later this month as planned”.

This trip was of great significance as Mr Johnson said that he would use the trip to boost cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, and health and climate change. The UK-India trade relationship is worth around £24billion a year, and is said to support around half a million jobs. There are 842 Indian companies in the UK with a combined turnover of £41.2billion.

Spokeswomen added that “in light of the national lockdown announced last night, 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”.

India is seen as a key strategic partner for the UK as it looks to forge a new path after cutting ties with Brussels.