UK PM Boris Johnson Calls Modi 'Khaas Dost'; Discusses Defence Ties, Ukraine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had held a meeting with the British PM in Delhi earlier during the day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding a meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the Hyderabad House in Delhi on Friday, 22 April.

(Photo Courtesy: MEA)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the Hyderabad House in Delhi on Friday, 22 April, following which the world leaders issued a joint statement, where they affirmed their partnership on matters of defence and strategic cooperation.

"I had an amazing reception, I felt a bit like Sachin Tendulkar... my face was ubiquitous everywhere, like Amitabh Bachchan," Johnson said at the opening of his remarks, calling the Indian PM his 'khaas dost.'

"We have had wonderful talks today and have strengthened our relationship in every way. The partnership between India and Britain is one of the defining friendships of our times," the United Kingdom's PM said at the joint press conference in Delhi.

He added that the shared interests between the two nations, including keeping the Indo-Pacific region free, sustainable homegrown energy, and defence threats were also discussed. "This visit has deepened our relationship," he said.

"We reviewed the India-UK roadmap today, and set some goals for the near future. We also discussed the free trade agreement. We talked about increasing cooperation in the defence sector for manufacturing, technology, design. We have decided to advance our energy and climate partnership as well," PM Modi stated at the joint press conference.

"We also discussed the many developments taking place at the regional and global level. We emphasised on maintaining the Indo-Pacific region based on a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order... We stressed on dialogue and diplomacy in Ukraine for an immediate ceasefire and resolution of the problem."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

"We also discussed about the comprehensive reforms going on in India, our infrastructure modernisation plan and the National Infrastructure Pipeline. We welcome the growing investment in India by UK companies. And a great example of this we saw yesterday in Halol in Gujarat," he said.

India, UK Sign Joint Cyber Statement

The two nations also issued a joint 'India-United Kingdom Cyber Statement', stating "Today, India and the United Kingdom are outline our commitment to a joint program of cooperation to deliver this partnership, focused on cyber governance, deterrence, resilience, and capacity building.

"We will continue to collaborate closely with digital service providers, social media and telecommunications companies, encouraging cooperation to embed safety in the services they offer while ensuring the protection of user privacy and their cooperation with the relevant government, especially with the onset of 5G and 6G technologies," the statement further noted.

'India-UK Relations Stronger Than Ever': UK PM

Johnson, who is on a two-day visit to India, had earlier been received by PM Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Soon after he was welcomed by Modi earlier during the day, Johnson laid a wreath at the Raj Ghat and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. He also received the guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

"Thank you for the fantastic welcome. This is a very auspicious moment between a relationship and friendship between two democracies. I don't think the things have ever been as strong or as good between us (India-UK) as they are now," UK PM Boris Johnson stated, upon his arrival at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

"The world faces growing threats from autocratic states which seek to undermine democracy, choke off free trade and trample on sovereignty," he stated, adding that the UK's partnership with India "is a beacon in stormy seas," reported news agency PTI.

Boris Johnson Meets EAM Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also met with Johnson on Friday and discussed the implementation of the India-UK Roadmap 2030. The roadmap, devised in 2021, includes ambitions to double the value of the UK-India trade by 2030.

Earlier during the day, the UK PM had tweeted, "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."

This is Johnson's maiden visit to India as prime minister of the United Kingdom.

Johnson's Visit to Gujarat on Thursday

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson landed in Gujarat's Ahmedabad on Thursday morning, commencing his two-day visit to India. He was received by Bhupendrabhai Patel, the chief minister of Gujarat, at Ahmedabad Airport.

While in Gujarat, Johnson visited Mahatma Gandhi's Ashram in Sabarmati, where he tried his hand at the iconic charkha, or the spinning wheel. He later visited the Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar. Johnson also met the chairman of Adani Group, Gautam Adani, in Ahmedabad.

Speaking in Gujarat, PM Johnson said that the UK is hoping to complete another free trade agreement with India by the end of the year.

Johnson along with Gujarat CM Patel also visited a JCB factory at Halol GIDC, Panchmahal, and was also seen climbing aboard a bulldozer.

This comes amid a hue and cry in India over bulldozers, which have recently been used for several demolition drives in the country in areas that have experienced communal violence.