British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday said he was looking forward to his conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. Friday would mark the second day of his trip to India.
Johnson told reporters in Ahmedabad “We will talk about trade, security and about issues of importance.” Johnson was quoted by Reuters as saying “The UK's partnership with India is a beacon in these stormy seas. Our collaboration on the issues that matter to both our countries, from climate change to energy security and defence, is of vital importance as we look to the future.”
British media reports said Johnson would offer India increased cooperation in defence projects to woo New Delhi away from its reliance on Russian weapons.
The new British initiatives including offers to help India build its own fighter jets and a licence for faster delivery of defence equipment. According to Reuters, the UK will issue India a open general export licence for faster supply of defence hardware; this has only been issued to the EU and US.
Lord Karan Bilimoria, president of the Confederation of British Industry, is travelling with Johnson on the India trip. Bilimoria told the Financial Times he would lobby for more manufacturing opportunities for British defence firms in India. “We’ve got great expertise and technology, whether it’s companies like BAE or Rolls-Royce—I’m just naming a couple,” Bilimoria told the Financial Times.
Trade will also be a key focus area in the Modi-Johnson talks. The UK has hinted it could consider increasing visas for India students and skilled workers.