India, UK To Strengthen Ties on Trade, Security; PM Boris Johnson Urges PM Narendra Modi to Condemn Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

On Tuesday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the two nations pledged to strengthen their trade, security, and economic ties in the coming days.

Specifically, PM Modi and Johnson addressed bilateral problems and agreed on the potential for further increasing cooperation in a variety of areas, including commerce, technology, investments, military and security, as well as people-to-people connections, during their talk.

PM Modi Speaks to Boris Johnson on Ukraine Situation

PM Modi expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in the ongoing bilateral Free Trade Agreement negotiations, according to a PMO statement. He also praised the progress made in executing the 'India-UK Roadmap 2030,' which was established during last year's virtual summit between the two leaders.

According to Business Standard, the Prime Minister expressed his wish to have PM Johnson visit India as soon as possible, if it is mutually convenient. PM Modi reiterated India's consistent call for a cessation of hostilities and a return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy during their discussion on the Ukraine situation.

He emphasized India's belief in international law and all states' territorial integrity and sovereignty as the foundation of the modern world order.

Boris Johnson encouraged India to join the West in criticizing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, despite mounting criticism of the country's neutral posture. Modi has even put up a system to help Putin evade the consequences of sanctions by facilitating commerce with Russia using rupees, as per Daily Mail.

In order to achieve this, India has begun purchasing oil from Russia at low prices. Johnson advised Modi to utilize his tight connection with the Kremlin for good, according to the Prime Minister's official spokesperson.

"We urge all nations to move away from dependency on Russian oil and gas," the official said when asked about India's choice to buy Russian oil. Meanwhile, the Foreign Office is anticipating the announcement of further Western sanctions in the coming days.

India, UK Agree To Strengthen Economic Ties

Modi reaffirmed India's long-standing call for an end to hostilities and a return to discussion and diplomacy. Modi also stressed India's confidence in international law, as well as the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states, as the foundation of today's world order.

In addition, the two leaders addressed bilateral matters and agreed on the possibility of increasing cooperation in sectors like commerce, technology, investments, military and security, and people-to-people connections.

According to News18, the leaders praised India and the United Kingdom's strong and flourishing relationship and pledged to continue to strengthen trade, security, and commercial ties in the next weeks and months. The leaders' request comes after the UK expressed dissatisfaction with India's stance in the continuing Russia-Ukraine issue, which included abstaining from UN votes denouncing Russia's conduct.

Last week, on the sidelines of a UK Turkey Green Finance Conference in London, UK Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan expressed disappointment with India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine crisis and stated that collaboration with Indian partners will continue in the "hope that their views will change."