Coming to India to deepen the long-term partnership, says UK PM
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Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that his upcoming visit to India is to "deepen the long-term partnership between" the two nations. He added that the visit will focus on "issues that really matter" to the people of India and the UK.
He tweeted that he will be travelling to India this week. "As we face threats to our peace and prosperity from autocratic states, it is vital that democracies and friends stick together." The British PM referred to the Ukraine war and said that India is a highly valued strategic partner for the UK in uncertain times. He called India a major economic power. The visit slated for April 21 and 22 will include interactions with Indian business leaders including Gautam Adani.
The visit will complete four of 26 chapters in the ongoing India-UK free trade agreement negotiations. Mr. Johnson said that the visit is to discuss job creation, economic growth, energy security, and defence. Sources say that regional security matters like the situation in Afghanistan and the UK's Indo-Pacific tilt are also on the agenda.
The long-delayed trip is meant to strengthen security ties and the UK has been trying to convince India to reduce its reliance on Moscow. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has already visited India requesting India to impose stronger sanctions against Russia.
Both nation leaders are expected to a timeline for the possible completion of the process. The initial date was at the end of 2022 and officials have indicated that the 22 chapters have seen significant progress in the first two negotiations. A third-round is scheduled for later this month.