Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Boris Johnson discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan on the sidelines of the COP26 summit in Glasgow on Monday. The two leaders discussed bilateral partnership in the context of climate change, Indo-Pacific strategy and post-COVID global economic recovery, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
“The two Prime Ministers reviewed the implementation of the Roadmap 2030 priorities, particularly in business and the economy, from people to people” [ties], health, defense and security sectors,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.
The foreign ministry statement said the two prime ministers reviewed progress in trade talks for an advanced trade partnership. The two leaders also discussed bilateral cooperation in green hydrogen, renewable energy and clean technologies, including cooperation through the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
The meeting comes days after UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss visited India to take forward discussions on the UK-India Free Trade Agreement and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
This was the first time since the start of the pandemic that the two leaders met face-to-face. Mr Johnson had to cancel two tours of India. The second cancellation happened in April, when India faced the deadly second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Modi invited Mr. Johnson to visit India “soon”.
The discussion on Afghanistan between the two figures assumes significance as India and the UK are working together in the UN Security Council to ensure “uninterrupted” humanitarian aid for the people of Afghanistan, who are facing severe distress due to the breakdown of law and order. are doing. Draught.
The mention of Asia-Pacific is also an important addition to the list of items between the two top leaders. The Hindu has learned that in the near future the UK will be permanently stationing two warships in the Indo-Pacific.