New Delhi: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is scheduled to visit India on 21 April. Ahead of his visit the British PM Jhonson described India as an economic superpower and emphasized that when we face threats to our peace and prosperity from autocratic states, it is imperative that democracy and friendly countries come together. India is a major economic power and the largest democracy of the world. It is also a valued strategic partner for the UK amid uncertain times like Covid19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson-about India visit
British PM Boris Johnson further said that my visit to India will deliver on things that are really important to the people of our two countries, including job creation, economic growth, energy security, and defence. UK PM Boris Johnson said investments from Indian companies already support 95,000 jobs across the UK, which is expected to be boosted by upcoming announcements and a future free trade deal.
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British High Commission gave information about the visit
At the same time, the British High Commission said in its statement that Johnson will visit India to deepen a long-standing partnership for peace and prosperity amid global economic challenges and threats from autocratic states. Notably, the visit will begin on April 21 (Thursday) from Ahmedabad in Gujarat to meet key businesses and discuss the thriving commercial, business and people-to-people ties of the UK and India. After this, the UK PM will leave for New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Modi on 22 April (Friday). Where the two world leaders will discuss the UK and India’s strategic defence, diplomatic and economic partnership.
PM will visit Gujarat for the first time
This will be the first time that a UK PM is visiting Gujarat, India’s fifth largest state and home to about half of the British-Indian population in the UK. PM Johnson is expected to announce a major investment in Gujarat in key industries, which will boost jobs and growth at home, as well as announce new collaborations on cutting-edge science, health and technology. According to UK press statement, he will use the visit to push free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations launched earlier this year. Since a deal with India is predicted to enhance the UK’s total trade to £28 billion annually and increase income by 2035.
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Last year’s trip was postponed
Last year, Johnson and PM Modi agreed on the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which announced an investment of over £530 million in the UK spanning trade, health, climate, defence,and security was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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