April 22, 2022
2 mins read

‘Felt like Sachin, Amitabh’: Boris Johnson on grand welcome

Boris Johnson said he had a fantastic two-day tour of India and became the first Conservative Prime Minister who visited Gujarat on the invitation of his Khas Dost’ (personal friend) which is the home of half of all British Indians…reports Asian Lite News

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday said that he felt like Sachin Tendulkar upon his arrival (in Ahmedabad) and also like Amitabh Bachchan when he saw (his) hoardings everywhere during his visit to Gujarat.

Addressing a joint press conference along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House here, he said he had a fantastic two-day tour of India and became the first Conservative Prime Minister who visited Gujarat on the invitation of his Khas Dost’ (personal friend) which is the home of half of all British Indians. “I had an amazing reception, absolutely amazing,” Johnson added.

Prime Minister Modi while addressing the press, said, “He (Johnson) has played a role in strengthening India-UK relations. His coming to India during Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ is historic.”

Modi said that this was his (Johnson) first visit as PM but he was instrumental in strengthening India-UK friendship for many years. It was significant to note that he started his India visit by paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram.

Modi stated that India and the UK have been working on closing the negotiations for a free trade agreement by the end of this year.

Recently we have concluded FTA with the UAE and Australia and with the same spirit, we wish to go for FTA with the UK with the same commitment, he said.

“Last year, we established the strategic partnership and we have added the important Roadmap-2030 and during our talks, we reviewed the progress made in this direction and also set some goals,” Modi said.

He added that both the countries have decided to enhance the cooperation in the defence sector. “We welcome the UK�s support in manufacturing, technology, design and development and other sectors for Atmanirbhar Bharat,” Modi said.

Referring to the recent reforms initiated by India in infrastructure modernisation and the National Infrastructure Pipeline, Modi said that India welcomes the increasing investments here by UK companies.

Prime Minister Modi said they also discussed the many developments taking place at the regional and global level. “We emphasized on maintaining the Indo-Pacific region based on a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order. India welcomes the UK’s decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.”

Modi said during our talks we stressed on dialogue and diplomacy in Ukraine for an immediate ceasefire and resolution of the problem. We also reiterated the importance of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries, he added.

We reiterated our support for a peaceful, stable and secure Afghanistan and for an inclusive and representative government, Prime Minister Modi said, adding that it was necessary that Afghan land should not be used to spread terrorism in other countries.

ALSO READ: Boris Johnson, Modi discuss bolstering ties

Previous Story

South Africa’s flood death toll revised from 448 to 435

Next Story

‘Putin’s troops ritually humiliated, still in a position to win the war’

Latest from -Top News

Financial Turmoil Grips Bangladesh

The crisis emerged with the political transition after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following a violent uprising last year….reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh is grappling with an economic crisis

Hamas Meets Turkish FM Over Gaza Crisis

The delegation briefed Hakan on the latest developments regarding the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the delegation’s recent visit to Cairo….reports Asian Lite News A Hamas delegation met with Turkish Foreign

India, France Set to Seal Rafale Deal

Estimated cost of this deal is valued at around Rs 63,000 crore…reports Asian Lite News India and France will on Monday sign the deal for 26 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Tony Blair was listening to Lady Aruna Paul’s advice: Cherie Blair

Lady Paul was strikingly good looking and the story goes,

UK inflation falls to lowest level in almost three years

Even though inflation is falling, it does not mean the