Johnson’s two-day visit: UK, India aim to forge defence, diplomatic, economic ties

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, during his two-day visit to India, discussed strategic defence, diplomatic and economic partnership, with his India counterpart Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He held in-depth talks on the UK and India's strategic defence, diplomatic and economic partnership, aimed at bolstering close partnership and stepping up security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Modi and Johnson (left) held in-depth talks on the UK and India's strategic defence, diplomatic and economic partnership, aimed at bolstering close partnership and stepping up security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Photo courtesy: Pallav Paliwal

"I thank PM Narendra Modi and the people of India for the grand welcome. I felt like Sachin Tendulkar upon my arrival and also like Amitabh Bachchan when I saw hoardings everywhere," he said, addressing PM Modi as his "khaas dost" (special friend).

Johnson spent his first day in India in Gujarat with dancers and giant billboards lining his paths from the airport and back.

He held in-depth talks on the UK and India's strategic defence, diplomatic and economic partnership, aimed at bolstering close partnership and stepping up security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

"They (People of Gujarat) put on a fantastic welcome for us. It was absolutely extraordinary. I have never seen such a joyful reception," the British PM said this morning.

"I would have not gotten the same reception anywhere else in the world. It was amazing to see your (PM Modi's) home state for the first time," Mr Johnson said.

The British PM earlier laid a wreath at Rajghat and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

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