Britain’s Johnson to speak trade, protection in India next week

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to tour India subsequent week to discuss exchange and safety with his counterpart Narendra Modi, who has taken a neutral stance on Russia’s warfare in Ukraine.

“As we face threats to our peace and prosperity from autocratic states, it is vital that democracies and friends stick together,” Johnson said in a statement before the visit, his first to India as British leader.

Britain and India hold divergent views on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While London has imposed economic sanctions on Moscow and provided guns to Kyiv, Modi’s government has not brazenly condemned the Kremlin or backed a UN Security Council vote that deplored Moscow’s “aggression” towards its neighbour.

India says Russia is an extended-time period friend and an important pillar of its foreign coverage, and it is predicated on a strategic partnership with Moscow for its national security.

Johnson said the visit on April 21-22 would focus on what he said were “the things that really matter to the people of both our nations – from job creation and economic growth, to energy security and defence”.

“India, as a major economic power and the world’s largest democracy, is a highly valued strategic partner for the UK in these uncertain times,” he added.

Johnson’s office said he and Prime Minister Modi would hold “in-depth talks” in Delhi on April 22 on their “strategic defence, diplomatic and economic partnership”, in the hope of bolstering that partnership and increasing “security cooperation” in the Asia-Pacific.

Since Britain’s departure from the European Union, the conservative authorities have sought to boost trade and security ties with nations inside the Asia-Pacific.

On April 21, Johnson will go to Ahmedabad, the principal town inside the country of Gujarat, the “ancestral home” of around half of the Anglo-Indian population in Britain, the previous colonial strength.

Downing Street stated Johnson was anticipated in Gujarat to announce investments in “key industries” in Britain and India and collaboration on technology, health and generation.

He will also attempt to make headway in negotiations on a free trade agreement between Britain and India which could, according to his office, boost bilateral trade “by up to £28 billion ($37 billion, 34 billion euros) annually by 2035”.