PM Boris Johnson cancels visit to India later this month

The UK PM Boris Johnson has today cancelled his visit to India that was scheduled for later this month.

A third national lockdown was announced on Monday with citizens under orders to stay at home and the government calling for one last major national effort to beat the coronavirus pandemic.

Johnson was scheduled to visit India on 26th January for the Republic Day celebrations.

A statement released by Downing Street said:

“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.

“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 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.

“The Prime Minister said that he hopes to be able to visit India in the first half of 2021, and ahead of the UK’s G7 Summit that Prime Minister Modi is due to attend as a guest.”