New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson met on Monday to discuss the present situation in Afghanistan and the status of bilateral relations since their virtual summit earlier this year.
During the phone call, both agreed on the importance of developing a shared worldwide viewpoint on issues such as extremism and terrorism, as well as women’s and minorities’ rights.
The two leaders discussed the present situation in Afghanistan and agreed on the necessity for a coordinated international approach to engagement with the Taliban, according to a statement issued by the UK government.
Concerning the fight against COVID-19, the two leaders agreed that the UK’s acknowledgment of Indian vaccine certification is a positive move, according to the press release.
The discussion comes just four days after the UK declared that Indian travellers properly vaccinated with both doses of Covishield or any other vaccine authorised by it will not be subjected to a 10-day obligatory quarantine upon arrival beginning October 11.
“The leaders also discussed regional developments, particularly the situation in Afghanistan.” They agreed on the importance of developing a shared international viewpoint on issues such as extremism and terrorism, as well as human rights and women’s rights,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
The two presidents reviewed bilateral progress since their virtual summit earlier this year and expressed satisfaction with the efforts already taken under the Roadmap 2030.
“They also discussed the status of the Enhanced Trade Partnership and agreed on the potential for swiftly increasing trade and investment links between both nations,” the MEA noted.
PM Modi and his British colleague also had a lengthy talk about climate change challenges in the context of the upcoming COP-26 meeting in Glasgow in early November.
According to the MEA statement, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to climate action, as evidenced by the country’s ambitious aim for renewable energy expansion and the recently established National Hydrogen Mission.
The Roadmap 2030 was adopted at a virtual summit in May between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British colleague Boris Johnson.
Its goal is to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership that will drive collaboration over the next decade in important sectors such as commerce and economics, defence and security, climate change, and people-to-people connections, among others.
Prime Minister Modi turned to Twitter to express his gratitude, writing, “Was a joy to speak with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.” We reviewed progress on the India-UK Agenda 2030, discussed climate action in the context of the upcoming COP-26 in Glasgow, and shared our perspectives on regional concerns, especially Afghanistan.”
COVID-19 & Climate Change
Meanwhile, according to the British statement, the two prime leaders also discussed the shared fight against the coronavirus epidemic, as well as the significance of cautiously opening up international travel.
“They agreed that the UK’s acknowledgment of Indian vaccine certification is a positive development in that regard,” the statement said, as quoted by PTI.
“The leaders also discussed Afghanistan’s current circumstances.” “They agreed on the significance of a concerted international approach to engagement with the Taliban, emphasising the importance of safeguarding human rights in the country,” the statement continued.
The leaders are looking forward to the UK Carrier Strike Group’s future visit to India and the strengthening of the UK-India strategic cooperation.
According to the UK statement, Johnson emphasised the necessity of making meaningful progress on climate change before of and during the COP26 Summit.
“He underlined that India already leads the world in renewable technology and expressed his hope that they will commit to a more ambitious NDC and to achieve Net Zero emissions,” the statement continued.
