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Boris Johnson spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning (File)
London:
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson cancelled his go to to India, sources mentioned, hours after he introduced a contemporary lockdown within the United Kingdom over the brand new pressure of coronavirus that has affected 1000’s of individuals within the UK. Mr Johnson was to be the chief visitor at this 12 months’s Republic Day parade in New Delhi, which was additionally to be his first bilateral go to after the UK’s departure from the European Union in December. He had accepted the invitation final month.
“The prime minister spoke to Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi this morning, to express his regret that he will be unable to visit India later this month as planned,” learn a press release from his Downing Street workplace.
“In light of the national lockdown announced last night, and the speed at which the new coronavirus variant is spreading, the Prime Minister said that it was important for him to remain in the UK so he can focus on the domestic response to the virus,” the assertion learn.
“The leaders underlined their shared commitment to the bilateral relationship, and to continuing to build on the close collaboration between our countries — including in response to the pandemic,” it added.
Mr Johnson’s authorities has introduced a whole lockdown for England’s 56 million folks, which may final till mid-February.
The measures have been taken amid an enormous spurt in coronavirus instances which noticed 80,000 contemporary infections on sooner or later in the long run of December. If unchecked, the National Health Service will probably be overwhelmed, Mr Johnson had mentioned whereas making the lockdown announcement, which got here into impact on Monday evening.
The UK pressure of virus has already reached India, with 58 folks testing constructive to date. This morning, the Union well being ministry introduced 20 contemporary infections. The numbers are anticipated to rise as genome sequencing goes on in full swing in 10 laboratories throughout the nation and worldwide travellers flying in over a 14-day interval in December are traced and examined.
Mr Johnson is the second British Prime Minister to attend the Republic Day parade because the Chief Guest after his predecessor John Major in 1993.
“The Prime Minister said that he hopes to be able to visit India in the first half of 2021, and ahead of the UK’s G7 Summit that Prime Minister Modi is due to attend as a guest,” his workplace mentioned.
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