British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday cancelled his go to to India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26. Johnson spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express his regret more than not becoming in a position to go to India as planned due to the developing crisis produced by the new variant of coronavirus.
His contact with Modi came a day soon after he addressed Britain in a televised address to plunge the nation into a new remain-at-household lockdown as his health-related chiefs warned that the National Health Service (NHS) was beneath threat of becoming overwhelmed by the increasing infection prices.
Johnson has indicated that his India go to would take spot through the very first half of this year and prior to the G7 summit presided more than by the UK, planned for later this year.
“The Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister Modi this morning, to express his regret that he will be unable to visit India later this month as planned,” a Downing Street spokesperson stated.
“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 spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, former Chief Minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, stated Boris Johnson’s choice to cancel his go to to India was anticipated. “As expected. He could hardly be sitting in Delhi watching a parade & cultural show after locking down the UK till February,” the National Conference (NC) leader tweeted. However, he stated it would be intriguing to see who will fill in for Johnson. Abdullah added, “Will be interesting to see which Head of State/Government steps up to fill the vacancy!”