UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson extended his greetings to the people of India and Indians residing in Britain on the occasion of the 72nd Republic Day of India on Tuesday.
“Today as India celebrates Republic Day and the birth of the extraordinary constitution that established your nation as the biggest sovereign democracy in the world, I want to offer my sincere greetings to a country that is very close to my heart,” Johnson said in a statement.
The prime minister said he was “hugely looking forward to joining you for this important occasion at the kind invitation of my friend Prime Minister Modi, alas our common struggle against COVID has kept me in London.”
“All over the world, this virus is compelling people to stay apart, including family and friends in Britain and India, who form what Prime Minister Modi has called the ‘living bridge’ between us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Johnson reiterated his plan to visit India later this year “strengthening our friendship, and striving for the quantum leap in our relationship that Prime Minister Modi and I have both pledged to achieve.”
“But for now, let me wish everyone in India, as well as those celebrating here in Britain, a very happy Republic Day.”
He said UK and India are working side-by-side to “develop, produce and distribute vaccines that will help to free humanity from the pandemic.”
The prime minister hailed the “combined efforts” of Britain, India and other nations, and said that “we are on the road to success against Covid.”
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