Focus on Indo-Pacific conversation: Boris Johnson on his meeting With PM Modi

U.K. PM Boris arrived in India on a two-day visit for discussing the issues with PM Narendra Modi regarding Ukraine during their meeting on 22nd April (Friday) but, will not discuss its ties with Russia. He is also supposed to keep an intense focal point on the Indo-pacific during the conversations in India. The British PM takes up his two-days visit from Gujarat. On Friday both countries signed a new defence cooperation agreement and will look to complete a free trade deal by the end of the year. Before the bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House, On 22nd April, PM Boris Described the India and UK relationship “as a beacon in Stormy Seas”. After a ceremonial Welcoming at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Mr Johnson in his first statement said- Our cooperation on the common issue that matter to both our countries, from climate change and defence to energy security, is of indispensable importance as we look to the future. I look forward to discussing these matters with Narendra Modi in New Delhi and working together to convey a more secure and prosperous future for both our peoples”.

In the coming decade, the U.K. will also issue an open General Export Licence (OGEL) to help and support greater Defence and security collaboration. The OGEL will bring down bureaucratic interference and abbreviate delivery time for India’s defence procurement. In the Indo-pacific region, this is the first British OGEL. The British PM said, to meet new imminence across land, sea, air space and Cyber domains and that, on new fighter jet technology as well as Maritime Sphere to explore and respond to threats in oceans, both the sides consent to work together and the U.K will become a Partner with India. MR. Johnson while describing Modi as ‘Kha's dost’ said- we have acknowledged a new and expanded defence and security partnership, and decades-long devotion to not only forge tighter bonds between us but to support your aim Narendra of making in India (in defence). About the Free trade Agreement, Johnson said, he desires the negotiators from both sides close the deal before Diwali in October, about it, Modi propounded that- “For the FTA, good improvement is being made in the negotiations and that both sides have decided to do their best to close the agreement by the end of the year. India has concluded FTA with UAE and Australia also with the same commitment as to move forward on FTA with the UK”. Further, he stated that ‘we have also agreed to develop cooperation in the defence sector and we welcome UK’s assistance for ‘Self-reliant India’ in manufacturing, technology, design, and developments.’ On the matter of the Ukraine Crisis, Modi Stressed an instant ceasefire and resolution of the problem through dialogue and diplomacy. He stated that – ‘we also recapitulate the importance for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries.’ Mr Modi, regarding the Indo-pacific area, stressed maintaining a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order in the region and stated that India welcomed the UK’s decision of joining the Indo-pacific Oceans Initiative.

Considering that threats of autocratic coercion are growing, the British PM propounded, it is crucial that both India and UK further deepen their cooperation. Besides others discussions, both PMs also hold forth new cooperation on clean and renewable energy. Johnson said that- the cooperation was aimed at supporting India’s energy transition from imported oil and increasing its flexibility through secure and sustainable energy. Both the sides also launched a virtual Hydrogen science and Innovation hub to speed up affordable green hydrogen and exposed plans in sync with the green Grids Initiative announced at COP26. The relationship between India and UK was exalted to a comprehensive strategic partnership during the virtual summit held between both the PMs in may last year. Both the sides have taken up 10 years roadmap to expand ties in key areas of economy and trade, defence and security, climate change and connections amongst the people.