Boris Johnson India visit: PM Modi, Boris Johnson discuss new areas of cooperation

On April 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Delhi and stated that the talks between the leaders were wide-ranging and productive. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi informed that both leaders discussed the India-UK friendship, as well as new areas of cooperation in sectors like trade, commerce, defence, etc. There were also deliberations over the benefit of youth and start-ups. Read Full Story.

"My talks with PM Boris Johnson were wide-ranging and productive. We took stock of the ground covered in the India-UK friendship and also discussed new areas of cooperation. Sectors such as trade, commerce, defence and clean energy figured prominently in our discussions," PM Modi tweeted.

India is a great democracy and has constitutional protections for the communities, said UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson over the concerns of human rights groups.

While responding to whether India discussed the human rights groups' concerns where Prime Minister Modi has presided over growing cultural Hindu nationalism in India, Johnson said, "On our relations with India and how we deal with the question about human rights group, Of course, we have these conversations (on human rights or democratic values). The advantage of our friendship is that we can have them in a friendly way. It's very important to realise that India has constitutional protections for communities."

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday emphasized on deepening India-Britain cooperation considering the shared interest in keeping the Indo-Pacific region free and open, particularly in the face of growing threats of autocratic coercion.

"We're taking forward an ambitious ten-year roadmap for British-Indian relations that we agreed on last year, it was great to see you (PM Modi) at the G-7," Johnson said while delivering a joint statement after holding talks with PM Modi here at Hyderabad House.

Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla reached the British High Commission residence in Delhi to meet British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The UK does not tolerate extremist groups operating in the country and targeting other nations, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday on India's concerns over Khalistani elements there.

Addressing a press conference after his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day, Johnson said there is so much potential to take the bilateral partnership to a whole new level.
 

India is a very different country from autocracies around the world. It's a great democracy. It's a stunning, shining fact that 1.35 billion people live under a democracy. That is something we should celebrate as it offers us an opportunity for closer cooperation and partnership: UK PM Boris Johnson

PM Narendra Modi and I have told our negotiators to conclude the Free Trade Agreement by Diwali, says British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in New Delhi.

A total of two G2G MoUs & four non-governmental MoUs were exchanged during the official visit of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to India: Ministry of External Affairs

This is the first visit of Boris Johnson in his capacity as the PM to India. Both the leaders discussed a wide range of issues, trade, and jobs opportunities. Cyber security, Artificial Intelligence, space, and other technologies were also discussed: Foreign Secy Harsh Vardhan

During the bilateral talks, PM Modi & UK PM Boris Johnson held discussions on the ongoing FTA negotiations. Both sides agreed to the corporation on energy, green hydrogen, trade, defense: Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan on UK PM Boris Johnson

Taking to Twitter, UK PM Boris Johnson said, "As India celebrates its 75th year of independence, I’m hugely optimistic about the depth of the friendship between our countries, and the security and prosperity it can deliver for our peoples for generations to come."

After holding talks in Delhi on Friday, PM Modi and his UK counterpart Boris Johnson agreed on enhancing the bilateral partnership between the two countries. Addressing a joint press conference, PM Modi mentioned that they had reviewed the Roadmap 2030 and also decided to make all possible efforts to sign the Free Trade Agreement by the year-end. Welcoming the investments from the UK, he lauded the contribution of Indian-origin people who have settled there. They also committed to boosting the defence and energy ties. On this occasion, the PM also invited the UK to join National Hydrogen Mission. 

PM Modi said, "We also discussed regional and global developments. We stressed having a free, open & rule-based Indo-pacific region. India welcomes the UK's decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans initiative. In Ukraine, we stressed the immediate cessation of war dialogue and diplomacy for resolving the issue. We reiterated the importance of respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries. We reiterated our support for a peaceful, stable and secure Afghanistan and an inclusive and representative government. It is imperative that the soil of Afghanistan shouldn't be used to spread terror in other countries."

Referring to PM Modi as a khaas dost (special friend), Boris Johnson commenced his statement by arguing the need for India and UK to come together in such turbulent times. Moreover, he noted that both countries will work on tackling threats across land, sea, air, space and cyber and collaborate on the new fighter jet and maritime technologies. Highlighting that he had taken the jab of an Indian vaccine, he appreciated India's COVID-19 inoculation drive. According to him, the FTA would help in lowering tariffs on specific products, double the investments and trade and create thousands of new jobs in both countries. 

The UK PM stated, "I became the first Conservative PM to visit Gujarat which is your birthplace of course and the ancestral home of about half of all the British Indians and I had an amazing reception. I felt a bit like Sachin Tendulkar. My face was ubiquitous everywhere as Amitabh Bachchan. It was fantastic. This morning, we had wonderful talks which strengthened our relationship in every way. In challenging times, it is very important that we- the special friends get together."

The delegation-level talks between the UK and India are underway at present. 

The talks between PM Modi and UK PM Boris Johnson commenced at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

After meeting UK PM Boris Johnson, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, "Delighted to call on UK PM Boris Johnson during his India visit. Discussed our expanding partnership and implementing the India-UK Roadmap 2030."

Responding to his UK counterpart's tweet, PM Modi said, "Wonderful to see you, my friend PM Boris Johnson in India on a long-awaited visit. Look forward to our discussions today." 

UK PM Boris Johnson laid a wreath at Raj Ghat and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Speaking to the media after the ceremonial reception, UK PM Boris Johnson stated, "I just want to say what a pleasure it is to be here in Delhi this morning with my friend PM Modi. Thank you for the fantastic welcome that you have given us. This is a very auspicious moment in this relationship and a friendship between two democracies- the world's largest democracy- India and the UK-one of the world's oldest democracies"

He added, "I don't think things have ever been so strong or good between us as they are now. So, thank you for the wonderful reception you have given us and I was amazed particularly by the people of Gujarat, I mean they put on the most fantastic welcome for us yesterday." 

UK PM Boris Johnson received a guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Later, PM Modi introduced him to the dignitaries.

UK PM Boris Johnson attended the ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi. He was received by PM Modi and given a guard of honour. 

Taking to Twitter, UK PM Boris Johnson said, Looking forward to meeting with my friend Narendra Modi today in New Delhi. From climate change to energy security to defence, the partnership of our democracies is vital as the world faces growing threats from autocratic states." 

Speaking to the media on Thursday, UK PM Boris Johnson refused to criticise India over its stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He opined, "They have already raised Ukraine, as you can imagine with Prime Minister Modi. If you look at what the Indians have said, they were very strong in their condemnation of the atrocities in Bucha. As I think everybody understands, India and Russia have historically very different a relationship, perhaps, than Russia and the UK have had over the last couple of decades. We have to reflect on that reality, but clearly, I'll be talking about it to Narendra Modi". 

Reflecting on day 1 of his India visit, UK PM Boris Johnson expressed his pleasure to be in Gujarat on Thursday to see the fruits of the incredible partnership between the UK and India. He revealed, "We have confirmed more than £1 billion in new investments between our two great countries, creating almost 11,000 new jobs in the UK". 

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar received British PM Boris Johnson at Delhi airport. Johnson is currently on a 2-day visit to India. He will meet PM Narendra Modi in the Indian capital city along with other leaders.

Some images of UK PM Boris Johnson with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel in JCB factory at Halol GIDC, Panchmahal, Gujarat

UK PM Boris Johnson at Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat 

UK PM Boris Johnson and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel attend a program at Gujarat Biotechnology University in Gandhinagar GIFT City. 

 UK PM Boris Johnson at JCB Plant

Boris Johnson visits Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad on Thursday 

Gautam Adani shares, "Honoured to host Boris Johnson, the first UK PM to visit Gujarat, at Adani Head Quarters. Delighted to support climate & sustainability agenda with a focus on renewables, green H2 & new energy. Will also work with UK companies to co-create defence & aerospace technologies."

During his two-day visit to Gujarat, UK PM Boris Johnson met the Chairman of Adani Group, Gautam Adani, in Ahmedabad earlier today. 

Sources confirmed to Republic Media Network that exclusive editions of Mahatama Gandhi-related texts were accorded to the UK leader by Sabarmati Ashram. Boris Johnson was gifted the book titled, The Spirit's Pilgrimage, the autobiography of Madeleine Slade or Mirabehn who became Mahatma Gandhi's disciple and the book titled, Guide to London, which is one of the first few books authored by Mahatma Gandhi but never formally published. 

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UK PM Boris Johnson will be announcing major agreements concerning India-UK trade worth around £1 billion (over Rs 9,957.87 crore), the UK government informed in a statement. During his visit to India, the British Prime Minister is expected to strengthen trade relations between the two countries in terms of investment and technology partnership. 

Taking to Twitter for the first time after his arrival in India, UK PM Boris Johnson said, "It’s fantastic to be in India, the world’s largest democracy. I see vast possibilities for what our great nations can achieve together. Our powerhouse partnership is delivering jobs, growth and opportunity. I look forward to strengthening this partnership in the coming days." 

“It is an immense privilege to come to the Ashram of this extraordinary man, and to understand how he mobilised such simple principles of truth and non-violence to change the world for the better": UK PM Boris Johnson wrote in his message at Gandhi Ashram, Ahmedabad

During his visit to the Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat, UK PM Boris Johnson tried his hand on the Charkha, or spinning wheel - a symbol of India's revolution led by Mahatma Gandhi. The British PM sat down and was guided to spin the Charkha, which is used for making yarn from fibers.

Boris Johnson took a tour of the Gandhi Ashram in Sabarmati and paid respects to the Father of the Nation as the British PM kick-started his two-day visit to India. He was accompanied by Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel among other senior officials. 

'The Spirit's Pilgrimage' an autobiography of Madeleine Slade or Mirabehn, the daughter of a British admiral who became Mahatma Gandhi's disciple, will be gifted to Boris Johnson by Sabarmati Ashram today.

'Guide to London' and 'Gandhiji in Ashram' one of the first two unpublished books by Mahatma Gandhi, will be given to the UK PM on his maiden visit to India. Boris Johnson will also receive a replica of a wooden 'Charkha' (Spinning Wheel) at Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce a raft of commercial agreements and hail a new era in the UK and India’s trade, investment and technology partnership, as he begins his two-day visit to India.

UK and Indian businesses will confirm more than £1 billion in new investments and export deals today in areas from software engineering to health, creating almost 11,000 jobs across the UK. 

This includes:

> Switch Mobility electric bus R&D centre opening Asia Pacific Headquarters in Chennai 

> Investment from Bharat Forge and Tevva Motors to open a new site in the south-east

> Indian software company Mastek investing £79 mn in the UK

> FirstSource opening new offices in South Wales, the Midlands and cities in the North-East and North-West

> Hertfordshire-based firm Smith & Nephew to sign major export deal to sell robotic surgical systems in India

> Northamptonshire business Scott Bader to open new resins factory to supply top renewable energy companies in south-east Asia

As PM Boris Johnson arrived in Ahmedabad, UK and Indian businesses are set to announce investments and export deals worth over £1 billion, in areas from software engineering to health.

The Prime Minister will use his visit to India to boost our collaboration with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, slashing trade barriers for UK businesses and driving jobs and growth at home.

Science and tech collaborations, including a digital health partnership and a joint investment fund for Indian deep-tech and AI start-ups, supported by both the governments will be announced. Besides this, new AI scholarships for Indian students jointly funded by the UK government’s Chevening program and India’s Adani Group, £6 million investment by AI healthcare specialists Qure.ai to open a center of excellence in the UK are also set to be announced.

As UK PM Boris Johnson arrived in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state Gujarat, he was welcomed by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other senior officers. The British PM is on a two-day unofficial visit to India. 

Boris Johnson has said his India visit, starting today will build upon New Delhi being invited as a guest country at the G7 summit. The focus will also be on strengthening bilateral ties; discussing the Russia - Ukraine war, and scheduling the completion of dialogue for finalizing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the negotiations for which are slated to begin next week.  

Boris Johnson has arrived in Ahmedabad for a line-up of events during his two-day visit to the country. A mega roadshow was organized for the UK PM. His convoy was welcomed with the sounds of drums, flutes, loud cheers, and carnival puppets. Johnson was seen waving at the jubliant crowd through the car.

British sources have revealed that Boris Johnson would be received by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel upon his arrival in India. The UK PM would visit a University and a factory in the state and hold business meetings in Ahmedabad. 

After his schedule in Gujarat, Boris Johnson will arrive in the national capital where he would receive a ceremonial welcome and meet President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Issues under focus include the rise of the Indo-pacific and India's centrality to it, the Ukraine war, Brexit, trade, defence, security, health, sustainability, and how 1.5 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine made by India made a difference to the world, according to British sources.

Itinerary of UK PM for Thursday, April 21

08:05 - Arrival in Ahmedabad
08:25 - Stay at Hotel Hyatt
10:00 - Visit to Sabarmati Ashram
10:50 - Meeting with industrialist Gautam Adani
12:15 - Visit to Halol JCB plant
14:30 - Visit to Gift city (GB university)
16:00 - Visit to Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar
Later - Return to Hotel Hyatt
22:30 - Arrival at AFS Palam, New Delhi

> A major focus of Johnson's talks with PM Modi will be on the situation in the Indo-Pacific as the United Kingdom is strongly opposed to any kind of coercion in the region.

> The two leaders will discuss a new defense partnership and a free trade agreement which the two countries began discussing early this year.

> Johnson will push for progress in talks on a free trade deal, which Britain hopes to strike as part of its post-Brexit strategy. His office said such a trade deal could boost Britain's total trade by up to £28 billion ($36.5 billion) annually by 2035.

>In the meeting, the two prime ministers will also review the implementation of  Roadmap 2030 and set their vision for further intensifying cooperation across the full spectrum of bilateral ties

> Unlike the recent British prime ministerial trips to India, there will not be a large business delegation accompanying as the focus for this trip remains around politics.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's two-day visit to India from Thursday is aimed at ramping up the overall ties between the two countries, especially in the areas of defense and security, and trade, and he will not lecture India on how to respond to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

At a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Johnson said he would use the trip to expand Britain's 'deep and long-lasting partnership' with India. A major focus of his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on the situation in the Indo-Pacific.

As per Downing street, the UK is ready to extend its cooperation in realizing Modi's vision of making India a hub for defense manufacturing and for the transfer of technologies for joint production of military hardware.

British PM Boris Johnson will arrive in Gujarat's Ahmedabad on April 21 and he is expected to announce major investments in key industries in both India and the UK to boost employment opportunities and growth at home, along with new collaboration on science, health, and technology. The countries' energy security and defense will also be part of the leaders' discussions.

This will be the first time a UK PM visits Gujarat, which is India's fifth-largest state and the ancestral home of over half of the NRI population settled in the United Kingdom.