Indian PM Modi & UK PM Johnson hold bilateral talks on sidelines of COP26 Summit

Glasgow: – The Prime Ministers of India and the United Kingdom discussed bilateral cooperation on the backdrop of the COP 26 Summit, which started in Glasgow, United Kingdom (UK). On Monday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs revealed information regarding the meeting. It clarified that the talks were focused on the economy, including green hydrogen, clean technology and defence cooperation. Last year, the British Prime Minister’s visit to India was postponed twice. Against this background, the meeting between leaders of the two countries becomes significant.

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, arrived in Glasgow, UK late on Sunday. He then interacted with citizens of Indian descent in United Kingdom. Before the United Nations’ COP 26 Summit on Monday, Prime Minister Modi had a separate meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The British Prime Minister’s visit to India had to be cancelled twice due to the Coronavirus pandemic. A virtual conference was then held between the two leaders. But this is the first time in the last two years that the two leaders have met in person.

The virtual conference between the two leaders announced a blueprint for developing a strategic partnership between the two countries by 2030. The issue of ‘Roadmap 2030’ was also at the forefront of the discussions held on Monday. On this occasion, Prime Minister Modi congratulated the United Kingdom on hosting the COP26 Summit. The two leaders then discussed issues related to the environment, including green hydrogen, clean technology and renewables. India and the United Kingdom also discussed economic and defence cooperation, trade and terrorism, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

It is said that India and the United Kingdom will announce the ‘Green Grids Initiative’ at the COP26 Summit. This initiative is considered an important milestone in the International Solar Alliance initiated by India. Meanwhile, in the wake of the ongoing dispute between the European Union and the United Kingdom over Brexit, the United Kingdom is looking at India as its trading partner. Hence, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was scheduled to arrive in India as the chief guest for Republic Day. But the tour had to be cancelled due to a wave of Coronavirus hitting the United Kingdom.

Prime Minister Johnson’s visit to India had to be cancelled even after that. But now there are indications that the cooperation between the two countries is gaining momentum, are being received in this visit of Prime Minister Modi, to the United Kingdom.