On Friday morning, during the second day of the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UK PM Boris Johnson said that the relationship between the two nations is now stronger than before. The UK Prime Minister landed in India on Thursday on a two-day visit in the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war. Both held detailed talks with an aim to further expand cooperation in areas of defence, trade and clean energy.
During the talks, PM Boris Johnson said that they will provide India with the best of British know-how on building battle-winning aircraft and support the country’s requirements for new technology to respond to threats in the Indian Ocean.
“Discussion held on global developments. We insisted on dialogue and diplomacy in Ukraine for an immediate ceasefire and resolution of the problem”, PM Modi said after the India-UK bilateral talks. In a statement, the British High Commission said that the UK will issue an Open General Export Licence (OGEL) to India to cut the delivery period for defence procurement.
He continued by saying, “Shared interests in keeping the Indo-Pacific region free, open & rule-based. Agree to combat threats on air, space & maritime. Taking steps for sustainable homegrown energy. This visit has deepened our relationship.” “The UK is creating an India specific open general export license reducing bureaucracy and reducing delivery times for defense procurement.”
He also added, “Since last year, the threats of autocratic coercion have grown even further, therefore it is vital we deepen our cooperation including our shared interest in keeping the Indo-Pacific open and free,” said British PM Boris Johnson in Delhi.” Taking about Indian successful vaccination drive, he acclaimed, “I have the Indian jab (COVID19 vaccine) in my arm, and it did me good. Many thanks to India.”
