This week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will make a long-delayed journey to India in an effort to improve security relations between the two countries.

On Friday, he will meet with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, to discuss defence and trade issues.

First major journey to India as Prime Minister after earlier trips were postponed owing to a Covid-related crisis..

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UK has been attempting to encourage India to lessen its dependence on Moscow.

As part of her efforts to enlist India’s support for tougher sanctions on Russia and closer trade, defence, energy, and food security cooperation, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss visited the country last month.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24th without Indian criticism or condemnation at a UN Security Council vote on the topic.

There is a visit to Gujarat, the fifth most populous state in the country, planned for Mr. Johnson on Thursday, when he is anticipated to make announcements about big investments in vital UK businesses and new collaborations in the fields of health and technological research. in an effort to strengthen military relations.

‘Partner in strategy’

The prime minister had this to say ahead of his trip: “It is critical that democracies and allies stand together in the face of authoritarian governments’ dangers to peace and prosperity.

“Indian economic might and the world’s biggest democracy make it an important partner in these uncertain times for the United Kingdom.

For both our countries, job development and economic growth, as well as energy and defence security and defence are important issues. My trip to India will address these issues.

Johnson cancelled a trip to India in April last year after the country was added to the UK’s “red list” of countries that need quarantine for 10 days for anybody returning from there.

Although India’s coronavirus infections have risen sharply and the new delta strain has emerged, the administration had initially declared that this trip would go ahead.

When asked why India had not been included on the red list, Mr Johnson said he would talk to the Indian prime minister through videoconference instead of making an official statement.

Another planned trip to India was cancelled because of the UK shutdown in January 2021.

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