UK PM Boris Johnson cancels Republic Day visit to India

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled his visit to India scheduled for later this month.

PM Boris Johnson was invited as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in India on January 26. However, he cancelled the plans today in the wake of the COVID-19 surge in the UK.

A spokesperson 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,” he said read.

“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 spokesperson added.

However, Mr. Johnson said he expects to be able to visit India in the first half of 2021 or ahead of the UK G7 summit.