Jan 5, 2021
London: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled his visit to India in the wake of new strain of corona virus wreaking havoc in his country, media reported here, quoting sources.
His decision came to be known hours after he announced a fresh lockdown in the United Kingdom has thousands of people in the UK were infecxted with the new strain.
The British Prime Minister was to be the chief guest at this year’s Republic Day parade in New Delhi, which was also to be his first bilateral visit after the Brexit . He had accepted the invitation last month.
“The prime minister spoke to Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi this morning, to express his regret that he will be unable to visit India later this month as planned,” read a statement from his Downing Street office.
“In light of the national lockdown announced last night, and the speed at which the new coronavirus variant is spreading, the Prime Minister said that it was important for him to remain in the UK so he can focus on the domestic response to the virus,” the statement read.
“The leaders underlined their shared commitment to the bilateral relationship, and to continuing to build on the close collaboration between our countries — including in response to the pandemic,” it added.
A complete lockdown has been announced in England, which could last until mid-February.IANS