The UK and India are working side-by-side to free humanity from the coronavirus pandemic. Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a special reference to the vaccine collaboration in India’s Republic Day message today.
The PM was scheduled to visit India and witness the ceremony as the chief guest, to mark the 72nd republic. But the visit had to be called off to focus on the national crisis that the emergence of a new, deadlier strain of coronavirus brought in the UK at the end of last year.
In his video message the PM reiterated his plan to visit India in the coming months. tHe also mentions about celebrating the birth of an “extraordinary Constitution” that established India “as the biggest sovereign democracy in the world”,
“I was hugely looking forward to joining you on this important occasion at the kind invitation of my friend Prime Minister Modi. Alas, our common struggle against Covid has kept me in London,” said Johnson.
Addressing Indians in the UK, he added, “All over the world, this virus is compelling people to stay apart, including family and friends in Britain and India, who form what Prime Minister Modi has called the “living bridge” between us. But for now, let me wish everyone in India as well as those celebrating here in Britain, a very happy Republic Day,” the British prime minister said.
“As I speak, our two countries are working side by side to develop, produce and distribute vaccines that will help to free humanity from the pandemic. And thanks to the combined efforts of Britain, India and many other nations, we are on the road to success against Covid. So, I look forward to visiting India later this year, strengthening our friendship, and striving for the quantum leap in our relationship that Prime Minister Modi and I have both pledged to achieve,” he said.
The news comes, as PM Boris Johnson is giving a live update in a news conference along with chief medical officer Chris Whitty and NHS chief Simon Stevens, from 5pm today. This is of significance since the death toll from coronavirus has exceeded 100,000 in the UK, according to government figures.
