Rishi Sunak, the prime minister of the United Kingdom, paid a visit to the Akshardham Temple in Delhi during his stay in India. His presence at the temple was notable, given the significance of Akshardham as a cultural and spiritual landmark in India. The visit was part of Sunak's official trip to attend the G20 Summit, where global leaders gathered to address critical issues.

<h2>Historic first visit as UK PM</h2>

Rishi Sunak's visit to India holds a special place in diplomatic relations between the two countries. This marks the Indian-origin PM's first official visit to India since assuming office. The visit underscored the importance of fostering stronger ties between India and the UK, both politically and culturally.

Security measures were heightened in and around the Akshardham Temple, given the high-profile nature of the visit.

Sunak, with deep-rooted Hindu heritage, expressed his pride in his cultural roots during his visit to India. Prior to his visit to Akshardham, he had publicly mentioned his desire to visit a temple in India, emphasising the spiritual and personal significance of such visits.

While in Delhi, Sunak and his wife, Akshata, also expressed their intention to relish some of their favourite local dining experiences, reminiscing about the restaurants they used to frequent in the city. Their plans indicated a desire to connect with the culture and culinary delights of India during their visit.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Rishi Sunak speaks on Khalistan issue | Is British PM trying to appease India?

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<h2>Supporting PM Modi and the G20 summit</h2>

During his time in India, Rishi Sunak conveyed his "enormous respect" for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed his eagerness to support him in ensuring the success of the G20 Summit. The summit provided a platform for world leaders to engage in discussions on global challenges, making collaboration crucial.

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UK-India bonhomie was at full display at the G20 Summit where British PM Rishi Sunak met PM Narendra Modi. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedKingdom?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedKingdom</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RishiSunak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RishiSunak</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMModi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20Summit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatMandapam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatMandapam</a> <a href="https://t.co/SiBva24ZOR">pic.twitter.com/SiBva24ZOR</a>
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Prime Minister Modi and Sunak held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. These discussions focused on enhancing trade ties, boosting investment, and strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UK. Their interactions built on previous dialogues held during the G7 Summit in Hiroshima earlier in the year, where they explored topics ranging from a potential India-UK free trade agreement to innovation and science collaboration.

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Rishi Sunak, the prime minister of the United Kingdom, paid a visit to the Akshardham Temple in Delhi during his stay in India. His presence at the temple was notable, given the significance of Akshardham as a cultural and spiritual landmark in India.

Rishi Sunak, the prime minister of the United Kingdom, paid a visit to the Akshardham Temple in Delhi during his stay in India. His presence at the temple was notable, given the significance of Akshardham as a cultural and spiritual landmark in India. The visit was part of Sunak's official trip to attend the G20 Summit, where global leaders gathered to address critical issues. Historic first visit as UK PM Rishi Sunak's visit to India holds a special place in diplomatic relations between the two countries. This marks the Indian-origin PM's first official visit to India since assuming office. The visit underscored the importance of fostering stronger ties between India and the UK, both politically and culturally. Security measures were heightened in and around the Akshardham Temple, given the high-profile nature of the visit. Sunak, with deep-rooted Hindu heritage, expressed his pride in his cultural roots during his visit to India. Prior to his visit to Akshardham, he had publicly mentioned his desire to visit a temple in India, emphasising the spiritual and personal significance of such visits. While in Delhi, Sunak and his wife, Akshata, also expressed their intention to relish some of their favourite local dining experiences, reminiscing about the restaurants they used to frequent in the city. Their plans indicated a desire to connect with the culture and culinary delights of India during their visit. Also watch | Gravitas: Rishi Sunak speaks on Khalistan issue | Is British PM trying to appease India? Supporting PM Modi and the G20 summit During his time in India, Rishi Sunak conveyed his "enormous respect" for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed his eagerness to support him in ensuring the success of the G20 Summit. The summit provided a platform for world leaders to engage in discussions on global challenges, making collaboration crucial. UK-India bonhomie was at full display at the G20 Summit where British PM Rishi Sunak met PM Narendra Modi. #UnitedKingdom #RishiSunak #PMModi #G20India #G20Summit #BharatMandapam pic.twitter.com/SiBva24ZOR — Anshuman Bajaj (@AnshumanBajaj09) September 10, 2023 × Also read | G20 Summit: PM Modi holds bilateral talks with UK PM Rishi Sunak Prime Minister Modi and Sunak held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. These discussions focused on enhancing trade ties, boosting investment, and strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UK. Their interactions built on previous dialogues held during the G7 Summit in Hiroshima earlier in the year, where they explored topics ranging from a potential India-UK free trade agreement to innovation and science collaboration. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

G20 Summit: UK PM Rishi Sunak, wife take a spiritual break, visit famous Akshardham temple

After being a part of King Charles’ coronation ceremony earlier this May, actress Sonam Kapoor Ahuja has grabbed an invite for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s reception. This is to celebrate and mark UK-India week. Sonam will represent India.

Sonam Kapoor has been invited to attend a reception hosted by the Prime Minister at his official residence and office in 10 Downing Street. This special event is organised by the India Global Forum (IGF).

<h2>What is the UK-India Week?</h2>

The UK-India Week is an annual flagship event organised by IGF to strengthen and celebrate the longstanding partnership between the United Kingdom and India. It spans over a week, from the 26 to 30 June, and encompasses a diverse range of topics, including politics, trade, business, sustainability, inclusion, and innovation. The reception at 10 Downing Street is a highlight of the event, where influential figures from both countries come together to exchange ideas and foster collaboration.

<h2>Sonam Kapoor's upcoming films</h2>

On the work front, Sonam Kapoor will next be seen in a film titled Blind, which is an official remake of the acclaimed 2011 Korean film of the same name. The story revolves around a blind police officer's relentless pursuit of a serial killer. Directed by debutant director Shome Makhija, the film also stars talented actors such as Purab Kohli, Vinay Pathak, and Lillete Dubey.

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After being a part of King Charles’ coronation ceremony earlier this May, actress Sonam Kapoor Ahuja has grabbed an invite for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s reception.

After being a part of King Charles’ coronation ceremony earlier this May, actress Sonam Kapoor Ahuja has grabbed an invite for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s reception. This is to celebrate and mark UK-India week. Sonam will represent India. Sonam Kapoor has been invited to attend a reception hosted by the Prime Minister at his official residence and office in 10 Downing Street. This special event is organised by the India Global Forum (IGF). What is the UK-India Week? The UK-India Week is an annual flagship event organised by IGF to strengthen and celebrate the longstanding partnership between the United Kingdom and India. It spans over a week, from the 26 to 30 June, and encompasses a diverse range of topics, including politics, trade, business, sustainability, inclusion, and innovation. The reception at 10 Downing Street is a highlight of the event, where influential figures from both countries come together to exchange ideas and foster collaboration. Sonam Kapoor's upcoming films On the work front, Sonam Kapoor will next be seen in a film titled Blind, which is an official remake of the acclaimed 2011 Korean film of the same name. The story revolves around a blind police officer's relentless pursuit of a serial killer. Directed by debutant director Shome Makhija, the film also stars talented actors such as Purab Kohli, Vinay Pathak, and Lillete Dubey. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sonam Kapoor invited for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s reception to mark UK-India week

UK-India Young Professionals Visa Scheme: The government of the United Kingdom has invited 2,400 visa applications for Indians under the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme.

UK-India Young Professionals Visa Scheme: The government of the United Kingdom has invited 2,400 visa applications for Indians under the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme. The British High Commission in India has announced the opening dates for the ballots as February 28, 2023. Citizens of India between 18 and 30 years can sign up for the scheme if they qualify for the criteria. The scheme's most beneficial element is it's free to enter and does not require a sponsor or a job to apply for the visa. Qualified people can enter the United Kingdom during their visa's validity and return during their stay. The newly introduced Young Professionals Visa UK permits Indian citizens to work in the UK for up to 24 months. They can enter and exit the country at will while their Young Professionals Visa is valid. Here are all the details about Young Professionals Visa UK for Indian Citizens between 18 and 30 years. You will find everything about the UK Young Professionals Visa Scheme, from validity to eligibility details. UK-India Young Professionals Visa Scheme: Eligibility Interested candidates can apply for the UK-India Young Professionals Visa Scheme if they qualify for the given eligibility criteria. 1. You must be an Indian national/citizen between 18 and 30 years. 2. You must be 18 years and above when you travel to the UK. 3. You must have a bachelor's degree level or above. 4. You must have a minimum of £2,530 (INR 2.6 Lakhs) in savings to support yourself in the United Kingdom. 5. You must not have children under 18 years living with you or financially dependent on you. How to Apply for UK-India Young Professionals Scheme? To apply for the Young Professionals Scheme offered by the UK government, you need to enter the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot. If you're successful, you'll get an invitation containing the visa application. Thus, you can apply for the UK-India Young Professional Scheme. UK-India Young Professionals Visa Scheme: List of Required Documents You'll need the following documents while applying for UK-India Young Professionals Scheme. Passport/Other documents proving identity and nationality Evidence showing £2,530 saving in your bank account, preferably bank statements Proof of qualifications Tuberculosis results, if living in India or another listed nation Police report/clearance certificate from India Blank page in the passport for visa UK-India Young Professionals Visa Scheme: Validity UK government has declared to give a visa to 2,400 Indian citizens under the Young Professionals Scheme. You can apply for the scheme using the ballot. The visa's validity is 24 months. UK-India Young Professionals Visa Scheme: Cost of Application The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme ballot is free to enter. If selected, you will pay an application fee of £259 (INR 26,000) and a healthcare surcharge of £940 (INR 94,000) for the UK Young Professionals visa.

UK Young Professionals Scheme for Indian Citizens: Check eligibility, validity, documents, cost & how to apply

United Kingdom's Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch will be in Delhi from today as the 6th round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the UK and India begin. Both sides are working on an ambitious trade pact that aims to ease customs duties on goods. Secretary Kemi is the second top minister to come to Delhi from the new Rishi Sunak government that took charge in October. UK foreign secretary James Cleverly was in India in October to attend the UN counter-terror committee meeting.

Ahead of her visit, Secretary Kemi said, "India and the UK are the fifth and sixth biggest economies in the world. We have a long shared history and are in pole position to do a deal that will create jobs, encourage growth, and boost our £29 billion trading relationship.” She will hold a meeting with India's trade minister Piyush Goyal, the first such in-person meet between the two sides and address negotiating teams of the two sides.

The Free trade talks between India and UK were launched in January with the conclusion expected by Diwali but due to a political crisis in Britain, the deadline was missed. London has high hopes for the pact in the backdrop of Brexit and aims to tap one the largest economies in the world through it. The sixth round of talks in Delhi is the first formal talk on the issue since July.

Expressing optimism ahead of the visit, the UK secretary said, "both nations have come to the table with the very highest of ambitions and a willingness to work together towards a mutually beneficial deal. I’m excited about the opportunities we can create for British business." Merchandise trade between the two countries was US$15.45 billion in 2019-20 with the trade balance in favour of India.&nbsp;

India invested in 120 projects and created 5,429 new jobs in the UK to become the second-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) after the US in 2019 according to the Department for International Trade (DIT).

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United Kingdom's Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch will be in Delhi from today as the 6th round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the UK and India begin.

United Kingdom's Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch will be in Delhi from today as the 6th round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the UK and India begin. Both sides are working on an ambitious trade pact that aims to ease customs duties on goods. Secretary Kemi is the second top minister to come to Delhi from the new Rishi Sunak government that took charge in October. UK foreign secretary James Cleverly was in India in October to attend the UN counter-terror committee meeting. Ahead of her visit, Secretary Kemi said, "India and the UK are the fifth and sixth biggest economies in the world. We have a long shared history and are in pole position to do a deal that will create jobs, encourage growth, and boost our £29 billion trading relationship.” She will hold a meeting with India's trade minister Piyush Goyal, the first such in-person meet between the two sides and address negotiating teams of the two sides. The Free trade talks between India and UK were launched in January with the conclusion expected by Diwali but due to a political crisis in Britain, the deadline was missed. London has high hopes for the pact in the backdrop of Brexit and aims to tap one the largest economies in the world through it. The sixth round of talks in Delhi is the first formal talk on the issue since July. Expressing optimism ahead of the visit, the UK secretary said, "both nations have come to the table with the very highest of ambitions and a willingness to work together towards a mutually beneficial deal. I’m excited about the opportunities we can create for British business." Merchandise trade between the two countries was US$15.45 billion in 2019-20 with the trade balance in favour of India. India invested in 120 projects and created 5,429 new jobs in the UK to become the second-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) after the US in 2019 according to the Department for International Trade (DIT). WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK trade Secretary Kemi in Delhi from today for FTA talks

Britain's prime ministerial candidate Rishi Sunak said he wants to change the UK-India relationship to make it a more two-way exchange that opens up easy access to UK students and companies in India.

During a campaign hustings event hosted by the Conservative Friends of India (CFIN) diaspora organisation in north London on Monday evening, the former Chancellor greeted the largely British Indian gathering with a mix of traditional greetings such as "namaste, salaam, khem cho, and kidda."

He even broke into Hindi: "Aap sab mere parivar ho (you all are my family)."

"We know the UK-India relationship is important. We represent the living bridge between our two countries,"&nbsp;he said, in response to a question about bilateral ties from CFIN co-chair Reena Ranger.

"We are all very aware of the opportunity for the UK to sell things and do things in India, but actually we need to look at that relationship differently because there is an enormous amount that we here in the UK can learn from India," he said.

"I want to make sure that it's easy for our students to also travel to India and learn, that it's also easy for our companies and Indian companies to work together because it's not just a one-way relationship, it's a two-way relationship, and that's the type of change I want to bring to that relationship,"&nbsp;he said.

On China, the former minister reiterated his stand about the need to be "very robust"&nbsp;in defending the UK against its aggressiveness.

"China and the Chinese Communist Party represent the biggest threat to our economic and thereby national security that this country has faced in a long time and we need to be alive to that,"&nbsp;he said.

"Be in no doubt, as your Prime Minister I will do whatever it takes to keep you, your families and our country safe because that's the first duty of a Conservative Prime Minister,"&nbsp;he added.

After a grand entry at the Dhamecha Lohana Centre in Harrow to dhol beats and loud cheers, the former minister spoke briefly and then spent hours interacting with hundreds of Tory members who queued up to shake hands with him.

He was showered with blessings by the elderly in the crowd, patted on the back by others and eight-year-old Tanish Sahu got a special picture as Sunak carried him in his arms.

Amita Mishra, the Trustee of Shree Jagannatha Society UK, handed over a set of gold-plated deities all the way from India.

"We are working on creating a Jagannath Temple in London and this gift is a special blessing all the way from India,"&nbsp;said Mishra, who was accompanied by a pandit who performed a victory shloka from the" Bhagavad Gita' as the deities were handed over to Sunak on stage.

In complete contrast, a British Sikh Tory member in the crowd waited hours to get a special bottle of Jack Daniels whisky signed by Sunak,&nbsp;despite both him and the former Chancellor being teetotalers.

"I don't drink but this is a special gift I received on my birthday and now with this signature it has become historic,"&nbsp;he said.

In this gathering, his self-proclaimed underdog status as the candidate trailing in all the polls seemed irrelevant as he glided through the crowds rockstar-like and responded to comments of 'see you at No. 10 Downing Street'&nbsp;with an emphatic: "That's the plan, I'm giving it everything I got."

The majority in the room admitted they had already cast their online ballots in favour of Sunak and had come along to this latest hustings just to hear him out one more time.

One sceptical British Indian investment banker said he was still undecided as he did not entirely favour Sunak's handling of the Bounce Back Loan scheme introduced in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdowns, which have been "abused" by many.

But even he admitted that his vote might go to Sunak in the end as he wasn't entirely convinced by leadership rival Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

But what a majority seemed convinced about was that Sunak's Indian origin and ethnic minority background had no part to play in the contest to succeed Boris Johnson as Conservative Party leader and the British Prime Minister.

"This country is not racist. For Rishi to reach this stage, it proves that merit is valued,"&nbsp;said Lord Dolar Popat, a veteran Tory peer.

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Britain's prime ministerial candidate Rishi Sunak said he wants to change the UK-India relationship to make it a more two-way exchange that opens up easy access to UK students and companies in India.

Britain's prime ministerial candidate Rishi Sunak said he wants to change the UK-India relationship to make it a more two-way exchange that opens up easy access to UK students and companies in India. During a campaign hustings event hosted by the Conservative Friends of India (CFIN) diaspora organisation in north London on Monday evening, the former Chancellor greeted the largely British Indian gathering with a mix of traditional greetings such as "namaste, salaam, khem cho, and kidda." He even broke into Hindi: "Aap sab mere parivar ho (you all are my family)." "We know the UK-India relationship is important. We represent the living bridge between our two countries," he said, in response to a question about bilateral ties from CFIN co-chair Reena Ranger. "We are all very aware of the opportunity for the UK to sell things and do things in India, but actually we need to look at that relationship differently because there is an enormous amount that we here in the UK can learn from India," he said. "I want to make sure that it's easy for our students to also travel to India and learn, that it's also easy for our companies and Indian companies to work together because it's not just a one-way relationship, it's a two-way relationship, and that's the type of change I want to bring to that relationship," he said. On China, the former minister reiterated his stand about the need to be "very robust" in defending the UK against its aggressiveness. "China and the Chinese Communist Party represent the biggest threat to our economic and thereby national security that this country has faced in a long time and we need to be alive to that," he said. "Be in no doubt, as your Prime Minister I will do whatever it takes to keep you, your families and our country safe because that's the first duty of a Conservative Prime Minister," he added. After a grand entry at the Dhamecha Lohana Centre in Harrow to dhol beats and loud cheers, the former minister spoke briefly and then spent hours interacting with hundreds of Tory members who queued up to shake hands with him. He was showered with blessings by the elderly in the crowd, patted on the back by others and eight-year-old Tanish Sahu got a special picture as Sunak carried him in his arms. Amita Mishra, the Trustee of Shree Jagannatha Society UK, handed over a set of gold-plated deities all the way from India. "We are working on creating a Jagannath Temple in London and this gift is a special blessing all the way from India," said Mishra, who was accompanied by a pandit who performed a victory shloka from the" Bhagavad Gita' as the deities were handed over to Sunak on stage. In complete contrast, a British Sikh Tory member in the crowd waited hours to get a special bottle of Jack Daniels whisky signed by Sunak, despite both him and the former Chancellor being teetotalers. "I don't drink but this is a special gift I received on my birthday and now with this signature it has become historic," he said. In this gathering, his self-proclaimed underdog status as the candidate trailing in all the polls seemed irrelevant as he glided through the crowds rockstar-like and responded to comments of 'see you at No. 10 Downing Street' with an emphatic: "That's the plan, I'm giving it everything I got." The majority in the room admitted they had already cast their online ballots in favour of Sunak and had come along to this latest hustings just to hear him out one more time. One sceptical British Indian investment banker said he was still undecided as he did not entirely favour Sunak's handling of the Bounce Back Loan scheme introduced in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdowns, which have been "abused" by many. But even he admitted that his vote might go to Sunak in the end as he wasn't entirely convinced by leadership rival Foreign Secretary Liz Truss. But what a majority seemed convinced about was that Sunak's Indian origin and ethnic minority background had no part to play in the contest to succeed Boris Johnson as Conservative Party leader and the British Prime Minister. "This country is not racist. For Rishi to reach this stage, it proves that merit is valued," said Lord Dolar Popat, a veteran Tory peer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

I want to change UK-India relationship to make it more two-way: Rishi Sunak

Russia must adhere to the United Nations Charter, British Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during a call on Tuesday, according to a readout provided by Johnson's office.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has created a rift between India, which imports arms from Russia, and its Western allies, who have called on India to condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin in stronger terms.

"The pair agreed that Ukraine’s integrity and territorial sovereignty must be respected," a statement issued by Johnson's office following the call said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ukraine-conflict-creates-noodle-crisis-in-indonesia-464590" hreflang="en">Ukraine conflict creates 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia</a>

"Russia needed to adhere to the UN Charter, the leaders said, and both agreed that respect for international law was the only way to ensure global peace and prosperity."

Johnson also said both countries needed to intensify efforts to promote peace and de-escalation in the region.

The British readout of the call said Johnson told Modi Russia's actions were "deeply disturbing and disastrous for the world". It did not indicate Modi's response to this point.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/walls-dreams-and-genocide-zelenskyy-invokes-history-to-rally-support-464564">Walls, dreams and genocide: Zelenskyy invokes history to rally support</a>

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden has said only India among the Quad group of countries was "somewhat shaky" in acting against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

India and Britain are currently in talks over a trade deal, but UK trade minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan has said that India's refusal to condemn Russia's actions has left Britain "very disappointed."

"Prime minister recognises that India has an important role to play in its relationship with Putin and his regime, and certainly he urged him to continue to join... the condemnation of Putin," Johnson's spokesman told reporters.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine faces intense Russian assault, defies Russian demand to lay down arms

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India has also indicated it might take Russia up on an offer to buy crude oil at a discount.

Johnson's spokesman said Britain wanted all countries to move away from reliance on Russian oil and gas, but each country was coming from a different starting point.

"The prime minister believes the best way to broaden that coalition and to bring people with us is through is through diplomacy," he said.

Russia must adhere to the United Nations Charter, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during a call on Tuesday, according to a readout provided by Johnson's office.

Russia must adhere to the United Nations Charter, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during a call on Tuesday, according to a readout provided by Johnson's office. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has created a rift between India, which imports arms from Russia, and its Western allies, who have called on India to condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin in stronger terms. "The pair agreed that Ukraine’s integrity and territorial sovereignty must be respected," a statement issued by Johnson's office following the call said. Also read | Ukraine conflict creates 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia "Russia needed to adhere to the UN Charter, the leaders said, and both agreed that respect for international law was the only way to ensure global peace and prosperity." Johnson also said both countries needed to intensify efforts to promote peace and de-escalation in the region. The British readout of the call said Johnson told Modi Russia's actions were "deeply disturbing and disastrous for the world". It did not indicate Modi's response to this point. Also read | Walls, dreams and genocide: Zelenskyy invokes history to rally support US President Joe Biden has said only India among the Quad group of countries was "somewhat shaky" in acting against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. India and Britain are currently in talks over a trade deal, but UK trade minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan has said that India's refusal to condemn Russia's actions has left Britain "very disappointed." "Prime minister recognises that India has an important role to play in its relationship with Putin and his regime, and certainly he urged him to continue to join... the condemnation of Putin," Johnson's spokesman told reporters. Watch | Ukraine faces intense Russian assault, defies Russian demand to lay down arms India has also indicated it might take Russia up on an offer to buy crude oil at a discount. Johnson's spokesman said Britain wanted all countries to move away from reliance on Russian oil and gas, but each country was coming from a different starting point. "The prime minister believes the best way to broaden that coalition and to bring people with us is through is through diplomacy," he said.

Russia must adhere to UN Charter, say UK and India

The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) chair Richard Heald says that India offers a more "favourable opportunity and operating environment" for businesses, as compared to China. This is because of "ease of doing business, because of transparency,(and) rule of law that exists". India has taken a number of reforms in the last few years and climbed up the ease of doing business ladder of the world bank.

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Heald also spoke about the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks.&nbsp;He said that the talks will focus on, "what India wants and what UK can provide in terms of satisfying India's ambition. Like areas of Eletronic vehicles, batteries, the technology is being developed in UK but is being deployed and refined in India."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-jawaharlal-nehru-on-his-132nd-birth-anniversary-429312" hreflang="en">PM Modi pays tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru on his 132nd birth anniversary</a>

Talks on the India-UK FTA is set to begin in December with the visit of the UK commerce secretary to India.

UK is the 6th largest inward investor in India, after Mauritius, Singapore, Netherlands, Japan, and the USA with a cumulative equity investment of US $28.39 billion. Meanwhile, India has invested in 120 projects and created 5,429 new jobs in the UK to become the second-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) after the US in 2019 according to the Department for International Trade (DIT) inward investment statistics for 2019-2020.

WION: How do you see India-UK business and investment engagement?

Richard Heald: The business relationship is in a very good place, at this present moment in time. That might be a surprising statement, given what India and UK have gone through (during) Covid.&nbsp;

The way businesses in both countries have collaborated in order to alleviate a lot of negativity and suffering that has occurred during the past months has been remarkable.

For example, the collaboration between AstraZeneca and Serum Institute is a real exemplar of how the collaboration can occur, the benefits to the economy. I really do think that we (have) established very good business-to-business (B2B) ties, going forward.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-putin-visit-russia-begins-delivery-of-s400-air-defence-system-to-india-429195" hreflang="en">Ahead of Putin visit, Russia begins delivery of S400 air defence system to India</a>

WION: India-UK FTA talks are expected to start in December. What is UKIBC's expectation?

Richard Heald: I think it is a very exciting time. It is being built up over government-to-government (G2G) collaboration between your minister and his UK counterpart and what we are seeing is many months of dialogue which has been going on over a number of years. Business is extremely excited over the opportunities available here.&nbsp;

In the UK we have gone through a statutory consultation period. We have submitted that to our govt and we know that FICCI and CII have done the same. That is being fed into both governments' positions in relation to FTA.&nbsp;

I would add, there is going to be an announcement about the commencement of discussion around the FTA. There has already been considerable dialogue between the two governments going forward. A lot of groundwork has been put in place. I have been involved in dialogue on both the Indian and UK sides.&nbsp;

I have been struck by how similar have been the requests of businesses to each government. We are looking forward to levelling the playing field in terms of standards, in terms of operating practices, in terms of tariffs that align with world standards.&nbsp;

(This) allows us to develop those areas which both PMs have indicated are important for our two nations. Within a general context, those are the real thing that we are looking forward to.

WION: How do you see India as an investment destination?

Richard Heald: In terms of FTA, we focus on tariff barriers, in terms of trade and investment and we focus on operating ease of doing business.&nbsp;

What we have heard from UK businesses is that they are asking the UK Government to have an equal emphasis and equal focus on helping India improve its ease of doing business ranking.&nbsp;

To a large extent that is an indication of the amount of investment UK businesses are doing or have done in the past few years and decades. We employ 700,000 people in India and 5 per cent of the organised sector. So ease of doing business is equally important. GST is equally important, the digitisation of licenses is also important, more things can be done. Progress has been significant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-rbis-warning-against-cryptocurrency-pm-modi-chairs-crucial-meeting-429192" hreflang="en">After RBI's warning against cryptocurrency, PM Modi chairs crucial meeting</a>

WION: The rationale of having India-UK FTA...How does it help India in having FTA with the UK?

Richard Heald: If we look at the relationship between UK and India historically it has always been knowing each other's wishes, each other's requirements and being able to transact business on a relatively free basis between each other.&nbsp;

Indian diaspora is fundamental to the understanding between our two countries. UK has been historically very much present in India and therefore what we are looking forward to in terms of FTA if you like to consolidate that--to focus on what India wants and what the UK can provide in terms of satisfying India's ambition.&nbsp;

Like areas of Electronic vehicles, batteries; the technology is being developed in the UK but is being deployed and refined in India. It is that sort of colouration we are looking at FTA to catalyze and accelerate.

WION: Any timeline for the FTA? We saw India-EU taking their time.

Richard Heald: One observation, that when you are dealing with an entity made up of multiple nations, and you have to square off the different interests, that certainly becomes problematic.&nbsp;

Here we are dealing on a bilateral basis between two nations (that have) known each other for a long time and have a good relationship. I am optimistic, we will not be in the same situation.&nbsp;

That being said, there are complicated issues at stake here and certain items within the FTA, which both sides want to discuss and resolve, that are going to take longer to resolve.&nbsp;

There are early harvest agreement talks, which is a positive development and UK IBC will welcome them since it shows willingness and momentum. The way forward is to have a series of agreements that, aggregated together, will become part and parcel of the FTA. I don't think we will see a big bang, I think it will be an incremental process.

WION: India vs China, where will UK businesses put money, especially in the backdrop of the Evergrande crisis in China?

Richard Heald: What I always say, businesses don't tend to invest in either India or China. They don't see the two entities as mutually exclusive; you look at where the opportunity is, which may cause you to invest in both countries.&nbsp;

If you look at the operating basis, I believe that opportunity and operating environment is more favourable in India versus China. Because of ease of doing business, because of transparency, rule of law that exists in India.&nbsp;

Also, reforms and legislations that exists in India, particularly in relation to addressing the thorny issue of dealing with retrospective tax have had a positive impact on businesses that aren't yet invested in India.&nbsp;

Taken as a whole, plus, you have an extremely dynamic consumer sector and opportunity within the domestic economy. Therefore, India is an extremely attractive investment destination across a whole range of sectors. We are seeing that we have seen businesses engage, as operators within India.

The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) chair Richard Heald says that India offers a more "favourable opportunity and operating environment" for businesses, as compared to China.

The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) chair Richard Heald says that India offers a more "favourable opportunity and operating environment" for businesses, as compared to China. This is because of "ease of doing business, because of transparency,(and) rule of law that exists". India has taken a number of reforms in the last few years and climbed up the ease of doing business ladder of the world bank. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Heald also spoke about the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks. He said that the talks will focus on, "what India wants and what UK can provide in terms of satisfying India's ambition. Like areas of Eletronic vehicles, batteries, the technology is being developed in UK but is being deployed and refined in India." Also read | PM Modi pays tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru on his 132nd birth anniversary Talks on the India-UK FTA is set to begin in December with the visit of the UK commerce secretary to India. UK is the 6th largest inward investor in India, after Mauritius, Singapore, Netherlands, Japan, and the USA with a cumulative equity investment of US $28.39 billion. Meanwhile, India has invested in 120 projects and created 5,429 new jobs in the UK to become the second-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) after the US in 2019 according to the Department for International Trade (DIT) inward investment statistics for 2019-2020. WION: How do you see India-UK business and investment engagement? Richard Heald: The business relationship is in a very good place, at this present moment in time. That might be a surprising statement, given what India and UK have gone through (during) Covid. The way businesses in both countries have collaborated in order to alleviate a lot of negativity and suffering that has occurred during the past months has been remarkable. For example, the collaboration between AstraZeneca and Serum Institute is a real exemplar of how the collaboration can occur, the benefits to the economy. I really do think that we (have) established very good business-to-business (B2B) ties, going forward. Also read | Ahead of Putin visit, Russia begins delivery of S400 air defence system to India WION: India-UK FTA talks are expected to start in December. What is UKIBC's expectation? Richard Heald: I think it is a very exciting time. It is being built up over government-to-government (G2G) collaboration between your minister and his UK counterpart and what we are seeing is many months of dialogue which has been going on over a number of years. Business is extremely excited over the opportunities available here. In the UK we have gone through a statutory consultation period. We have submitted that to our govt and we know that FICCI and CII have done the same. That is being fed into both governments' positions in relation to FTA. I would add, there is going to be an announcement about the commencement of discussion around the FTA. There has already been considerable dialogue between the two governments going forward. A lot of groundwork has been put in place. I have been involved in dialogue on both the Indian and UK sides. I have been struck by how similar have been the requests of businesses to each government. We are looking forward to levelling the playing field in terms of standards, in terms of operating practices, in terms of tariffs that align with world standards. (This) allows us to develop those areas which both PMs have indicated are important for our two nations. Within a general context, those are the real thing that we are looking forward to. WION: How do you see India as an investment destination? Richard Heald: In terms of FTA, we focus on tariff barriers, in terms of trade and investment and we focus on operating ease of doing business. What we have heard from UK businesses is that they are asking the UK Government to have an equal emphasis and equal focus on helping India improve its ease of doing business ranking. To a large extent that is an indication of the amount of investment UK businesses are doing or have done in the past few years and decades. We employ 700,000 people in India and 5 per cent of the organised sector. So ease of doing business is equally important. GST is equally important, the digitisation of licenses is also important, more things can be done. Progress has been significant. Also read | After RBI's warning against cryptocurrency, PM Modi chairs crucial meeting WION: The rationale of having India-UK FTA...How does it help India in having FTA with the UK? Richard Heald: If we look at the relationship between UK and India historically it has always been knowing each other's wishes, each other's requirements and being able to transact business on a relatively free basis between each other. Indian diaspora is fundamental to the understanding between our two countries. UK has been historically very much present in India and therefore what we are looking forward to in terms of FTA if you like to consolidate that--to focus on what India wants and what the UK can provide in terms of satisfying India's ambition. Like areas of Electronic vehicles, batteries; the technology is being developed in the UK but is being deployed and refined in India. It is that sort of colouration we are looking at FTA to catalyze and accelerate. WION: Any timeline for the FTA? We saw India-EU taking their time. Richard Heald: One observation, that when you are dealing with an entity made up of multiple nations, and you have to square off the different interests, that certainly becomes problematic. Here we are dealing on a bilateral basis between two nations (that have) known each other for a long time and have a good relationship. I am optimistic, we will not be in the same situation. That being said, there are complicated issues at stake here and certain items within the FTA, which both sides want to discuss and resolve, that are going to take longer to resolve. There are early harvest agreement talks, which is a positive development and UK IBC will welcome them since it shows willingness and momentum. The way forward is to have a series of agreements that, aggregated together, will become part and parcel of the FTA. I don't think we will see a big bang, I think it will be an incremental process. WION: India vs China, where will UK businesses put money, especially in the backdrop of the Evergrande crisis in China? Richard Heald: What I always say, businesses don't tend to invest in either India or China. They don't see the two entities as mutually exclusive; you look at where the opportunity is, which may cause you to invest in both countries. If you look at the operating basis, I believe that opportunity and operating environment is more favourable in India versus China. Because of ease of doing business, because of transparency, rule of law that exists in India. Also, reforms and legislations that exists in India, particularly in relation to addressing the thorny issue of dealing with retrospective tax have had a positive impact on businesses that aren't yet invested in India. Taken as a whole, plus, you have an extremely dynamic consumer sector and opportunity within the domestic economy. Therefore, India is an extremely attractive investment destination across a whole range of sectors. We are seeing that we have seen businesses engage, as operators within India.

Exclusive | "Operating environment favourable in India than China," UKIBC Chief

Britain and India must step up their economic and security ties, foreign minister Liz Truss said ahead of a visit to Delhi where she will announce a green tech investment and pitch her vision of Britain's new role in the world to senior Indian ministers.

Truss, who was appointed as foreign secretary last month, has also held meetings in Saudi Arabia and Qatar as part of her post-Brexit push to build new diplomatic and defence alliances around the world.

She will meet Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in Delhi, and announce a $70 million investment to fund green tech infrastructure projects across India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-announces-14-billion-trade-deal-with-india-382740">Also read |&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson announces $1.4 billion trade deal with India</a>

"I want the UK and India and to step-up their partnership in critical areas like technology, investment, security, and defence," Truss said in a statement ahead of the visit.

"India is the world’s largest democracy, a tech and economic powerhouse, and a vital strategic partner for the UK."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-attend-cop26-climate-summit-in-glasgow-report-422680" hreflang="en">PM Modi to attend COP26 climate summit in Glasgow: Report</a>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Britain next month for the COP26 UN&nbsp;climate summit, Yadav told Reuters on Thursday.

Britain has identified greater influence in the Indo-Pacific region as its primary foreign policy aim, eyeing both the economic benefits of the rapidly expanding middle classes there and a means to challenge China's ambitions in the region.

In an effort to underline Britain's military commitment to security in the region, Truss will also visit a British aircraft carrier group, currently in Mumbai, having earlier this year passed through seas in which China is vying for influence.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson was forced to cancel a planned visit to India this year due to surging COVID-19 cases there, but the two leaders met virtually to agree a roadmap for deeper cooperation. They are also in early-stage trade talks.

Britain and India must step up their economic and security ties, foreign minister Liz Truss said ahead of a visit to Delhi where she will announce a green tech investment and pitch her vision of Britain's new role in the world to senior Indian ministers.

Britain and India must step up their economic and security ties, foreign minister Liz Truss said ahead of a visit to Delhi where she will announce a green tech investment and pitch her vision of Britain's new role in the world to senior Indian ministers. Truss, who was appointed as foreign secretary last month, has also held meetings in Saudi Arabia and Qatar as part of her post-Brexit push to build new diplomatic and defence alliances around the world. She will meet Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in Delhi, and announce a $70 million investment to fund green tech infrastructure projects across India. Also read | UK PM Boris Johnson announces $1.4 billion trade deal with India "I want the UK and India and to step-up their partnership in critical areas like technology, investment, security, and defence," Truss said in a statement ahead of the visit. "India is the world’s largest democracy, a tech and economic powerhouse, and a vital strategic partner for the UK." Also read | PM Modi to attend COP26 climate summit in Glasgow: Report Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Britain next month for the COP26 UN climate summit, Yadav told Reuters on Thursday. Britain has identified greater influence in the Indo-Pacific region as its primary foreign policy aim, eyeing both the economic benefits of the rapidly expanding middle classes there and a means to challenge China's ambitions in the region. In an effort to underline Britain's military commitment to security in the region, Truss will also visit a British aircraft carrier group, currently in Mumbai, having earlier this year passed through seas in which China is vying for influence. Prime Minister Boris Johnson was forced to cancel a planned visit to India this year due to surging COVID-19 cases there, but the two leaders met virtually to agree a roadmap for deeper cooperation. They are also in early-stage trade talks.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss says Britain and India must deepen defence, economic ties

Indians who have been fully vaccinated with Covishield or any other UK-approved vaccine will not be quarantined when they arrive in the UK starting October 11, the High Commissioner to India announced today, putting an end to a row over what was perceived as unfair application of COVID-19 quarantine rules. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-counter-to-uk-british-nationals-to-undergo-10-day-mandatory-quarantine-on-arrival-417417">Also read | India's counter to UK: British nationals to undergo 10-day mandatory quarantine on arrival</a>

"No quarantine for Indian travellers to the United Kingdom fully vaccinated with Covishield or another UK-approved vaccine from 11 October. Thanks to Indian government for close cooperation over the last month, " British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis tweeted."

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No quarantine for Indian 🇮🇳 travellers to UK 🇬🇧 fully vaccinated with Covishield or another UK-approved vaccine from 11 October. 
 
Thanks to Indian government for close cooperation over last month. <a href="https://t.co/cbI8Gqp0Qt">pic.twitter.com/cbI8Gqp0Qt</a>
— Alex Ellis (@AlexWEllis) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexWEllis/status/1446154167920128005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Weeks after the United Kingdom placed quarantine restrictions on Indian travellers, India responded last Friday by stating that UK people travelling here from that country will be subject to a mandatory 10-day quarantine beginning on October 4.

In response to India's decision, the United Kingdom stated that it will continue to work with India to broaden recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certification.&nbsp; 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-approves-covishield-but-has-problem-with-indian-vaccine-certificates-414869">UK approves Covishield but has problem with Indian vaccine certificates</a>

"The UK is continuing to work on expanding the policy to countries and territories across the globe in a phased approach. We are continuing to engage with the Government of India on technical cooperation to expand UK recognition of vaccine certification to people vaccinated by a relevant public health body in India," the British High Commission spokesperson had said in a statement.

The UK government has been called discriminatory and even "colonialist" for refusing to recognise tourists as vaccinated unless they obtained their vaccinations in a few specified countries.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indians who have been fully vaccinated with Covishield or any other UK-approved vaccine will not be quarantined when they arrive in the UK starting October 11, the High Commissioner to India announced today, putting an end to a row over what was perceived as unfair application of COVID-19 quarantine rules.

Indians who have been fully vaccinated with Covishield or any other UK-approved vaccine will not be quarantined when they arrive in the UK starting October 11, the High Commissioner to India announced today, putting an end to a row over what was perceived as unfair application of COVID-19 quarantine rules. Also read | India's counter to UK: British nationals to undergo 10-day mandatory quarantine on arrival "No quarantine for Indian travellers to the United Kingdom fully vaccinated with Covishield or another UK-approved vaccine from 11 October. Thanks to Indian government for close cooperation over the last month, " British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis tweeted." No quarantine for Indian 🇮🇳 travellers to UK 🇬🇧 fully vaccinated with Covishield or another UK-approved vaccine from 11 October. Thanks to Indian government for close cooperation over last month. pic.twitter.com/cbI8Gqp0Qt — Alex Ellis (@AlexWEllis) October 7, 2021 × Weeks after the United Kingdom placed quarantine restrictions on Indian travellers, India responded last Friday by stating that UK people travelling here from that country will be subject to a mandatory 10-day quarantine beginning on October 4. In response to India's decision, the United Kingdom stated that it will continue to work with India to broaden recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certification. Also read | UK approves Covishield but has problem with Indian vaccine certificates "The UK is continuing to work on expanding the policy to countries and territories across the globe in a phased approach. We are continuing to engage with the Government of India on technical cooperation to expand UK recognition of vaccine certification to people vaccinated by a relevant public health body in India," the British High Commission spokesperson had said in a statement. The UK government has been called discriminatory and even "colonialist" for refusing to recognise tourists as vaccinated unless they obtained their vaccinations in a few specified countries. (With inputs from agencies)

No quarantine for fully vaccinated Indians in UK from October 11: British envoy

In the backdrop United Kingdom not recognising India's covid vaccine certificate, New Delhi has decided to impose reciprocal measures on UK nationals arriving in the country from the UK.&nbsp;

Under the new regulations that come into effect from October 4, UK nationals will need a pre-departure COVID-19 RT-PCR test done within 72 hours before travel, a COVID-19 RT-PCR test on arrival at the airport, along with a third COVID-19 RT-PCR test on Day 8 of&nbsp;arrival.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-approves-covishield-but-has-problem-with-indian-vaccine-certificates-414869">UK approves Covishield but has problem with Indian vaccine certificates</a>

However, most significantly, they will have to undergo mandatory quarantine at home or at the destination address for 10 days following their arrival in India.

It will be applicable to all UK nationals irrespective of their vaccination status.&nbsp;

Watch | British arrogance: Indian vaccine certificates rejected

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-edition-british-arrogance-indian-vaccine-certificates-rejected-415027/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sources said, "Authorities in the MoH&amp;FW and MOCA would be taking steps to implement the new measures."

UK had announced new guidelines last month, which will come into effect on October 4.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-unhappy-over-changes-in-uk-travel-rules-report-414394">India unhappy over changes in UK travel rules: Report</a>

The guidelines were seen as discriminatory and include rules like quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> test on or before day 2, another on or after day 8 for passengers who aren't fully vaccinated with UK authorised vaccines and certificates.

Interestingly India's new rules for the UK also come into effect on October 4.

Watch | PM Modi on UK's vaccine recognition row

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-usa-direct-pm-modi-on-uks-vaccine-recognition-row-415135/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the backdrop United Kingdom not recognising India's covid vaccine certificate, New Delhi has decided to impose reciprocal measures on UK nationals arriving in the country from the UK.

In the backdrop United Kingdom not recognising India's covid vaccine certificate, New Delhi has decided to impose reciprocal measures on UK nationals arriving in the country from the UK. Under the new regulations that come into effect from October 4, UK nationals will need a pre-departure COVID-19 RT-PCR test done within 72 hours before travel, a COVID-19 RT-PCR test on arrival at the airport, along with a third COVID-19 RT-PCR test on Day 8 of arrival. Also read | UK approves Covishield but has problem with Indian vaccine certificates However, most significantly, they will have to undergo mandatory quarantine at home or at the destination address for 10 days following their arrival in India. It will be applicable to all UK nationals irrespective of their vaccination status. Watch | British arrogance: Indian vaccine certificates rejected Sources said, "Authorities in the MoH&FW and MOCA would be taking steps to implement the new measures." UK had announced new guidelines last month, which will come into effect on October 4. Also read | India unhappy over changes in UK travel rules: Report The guidelines were seen as discriminatory and include rules like quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days and COVID-19 test on or before day 2, another on or after day 8 for passengers who aren't fully vaccinated with UK authorised vaccines and certificates. Interestingly India's new rules for the UK also come into effect on October 4. Watch | PM Modi on UK's vaccine recognition row

India's counter to UK: British nationals to undergo 10-day mandatory quarantine on arrival

India and Britain are charting out a post-Brexit roadmap and today marked some initial success after both sides clinched a major investment deal worth nearly $1.4 billion. Both&nbsp; sides believe this is a precursor to a real deal - a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), talks for which will begin later this year.

A lot of companies will now make waves in the UK market - the Global Gene Group is planning to invest $81 million, Wipro is charting a $22 million project. Sterlite Technology is set to invest $20 million.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-serum-institute-features-in-india-uk-trade-deal-382827">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-serum-institute-features-in-india-uk-trade-deal-382827/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Serum Institute of India is planning to invest $332 million (₹2400 crore). They plan to invest this money in three specific sectors - a sales office, clinical trials and research, and manufacturing facilities.

Serum Institute may or may not make vaccines in the UK. its chief, Adar Poonawalla, had asked the Indian government for additional funds, saying that he needed them to expand capacity. So the central government announced $400 million (₹3,000) crore in grants, as quoted by the finance minister of India. But Adar Poonawalla himself says shortages in India will continue until July. The institute says expansion doesn't happen overnight.&nbsp;

The trade deal has a lot more. Boris Johnson believes it will create 6,500 jobs, and he is also hoping to double bilateral trade by 2030. Right now, it stands at $32 billion.

Producers of British fruit and medicines now have easier access to the Indian market. In return, Indian multinationals have an easy investment path. What Britain really wants is India to drop its barriers and tariffs. For India, immigration is the big issue - New Delhi wants the UK to relax its immigration rules especially for Indian students who wish to work in the UK. But Boris Johnson's Brexit campaign centred around tougher immigration laws.

This deal has strategic implications as well. It was announced ahead of a virtual summit between Prime Minister Modi and Boris Johnson. The British prime minister was supposed to make the trip to India but that's when the second wave intensified, so the summit was converted into a virtual one.

India is a big part of Britain's post-Brexit future as Boris Johnson wants a bigger role in the Indo-Pacific and he pegs India as the key partner in the region.

What were the big takeaways?

Both leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The key focus area was the Indo-pacific as India and UK have agreed to fight for a free and open Indo-pacific. Their militaries will also be holding joint drills and collaborating on research and development.

On trade, they agreed on an enhanced trade partnership expected to lead to a free trade deal in the coming years. There was a special focus on green businesses, and climate friendly projects.

India and Britain are charting out a post-Brexit roadmap and today marked some initial success after both sides clinched a major investment deal worth nearly $1.

India and Britain are charting out a post-Brexit roadmap and today marked some initial success after both sides clinched a major investment deal worth nearly $1.4 billion. Both sides believe this is a precursor to a real deal - a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), talks for which will begin later this year. A lot of companies will now make waves in the UK market - the Global Gene Group is planning to invest $81 million, Wipro is charting a $22 million project. Sterlite Technology is set to invest $20 million. Watch | The Serum Institute of India is planning to invest $332 million (₹2400 crore). They plan to invest this money in three specific sectors - a sales office, clinical trials and research, and manufacturing facilities. Serum Institute may or may not make vaccines in the UK. its chief, Adar Poonawalla, had asked the Indian government for additional funds, saying that he needed them to expand capacity. So the central government announced $400 million (₹3,000) crore in grants, as quoted by the finance minister of India. But Adar Poonawalla himself says shortages in India will continue until July. The institute says expansion doesn't happen overnight. The trade deal has a lot more. Boris Johnson believes it will create 6,500 jobs, and he is also hoping to double bilateral trade by 2030. Right now, it stands at $32 billion. Producers of British fruit and medicines now have easier access to the Indian market. In return, Indian multinationals have an easy investment path. What Britain really wants is India to drop its barriers and tariffs. For India, immigration is the big issue - New Delhi wants the UK to relax its immigration rules especially for Indian students who wish to work in the UK. But Boris Johnson's Brexit campaign centred around tougher immigration laws. This deal has strategic implications as well. It was announced ahead of a virtual summit between Prime Minister Modi and Boris Johnson. The British prime minister was supposed to make the trip to India but that's when the second wave intensified, so the summit was converted into a virtual one. India is a big part of Britain's post-Brexit future as Boris Johnson wants a bigger role in the Indo-Pacific and he pegs India as the key partner in the region. What were the big takeaways? Both leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The key focus area was the Indo-pacific as India and UK have agreed to fight for a free and open Indo-pacific. Their militaries will also be holding joint drills and collaborating on research and development. On trade, they agreed on an enhanced trade partnership expected to lead to a free trade deal in the coming years. There was a special focus on green businesses, and climate friendly projects.

Post-Brexit roadmap: Key takeaways from UK-India trade deal

The British government has finalised £1 billion ($1.4 billion) worth of trade and investment with India, creating over 6,500 jobs in Britain, ahead of the virtual summit between UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

The investments confirmed by Downing Street on Monday evening form part of an Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP), which the two leaders will formally sign off during their talks.

The ETP will set the ambition to double the value of UK-India trade by 2030 and declare a shared intent to begin work towards a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

''Like every aspect of the UK-India relationship, the economic links between our countries make our people stronger and safer,''&nbsp;said Johnson.

''Each and every one of the more than 6,500 jobs we have announced today will help families and communities build back from coronavirus and boost the British and Indian economies. In the decade ahead, with the help of (the) new partnership signed today and a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, we will double the value of our trading partnership with India and take the relationship between our two countries to new highs,''&nbsp;he said.

The trade and investment package unveiled by the British government contains over £533 million of new Indian investment into the UK, covering areas such as healthcare and technology.

This includes a GBP 240 million investment by the Serum Institute of India (SII) in the UK into its vaccine business and a new sales office in the country, expected to generate new business worth over $1 billion.

Serum Institute's investment will support clinical trials, research and development, and "possibly" manufacturing of vaccines, to help the UK and the world defeat the coronavirus pandemic and other deadly diseases, Downing Street said.

British businesses have also secured new export deals with India worth more than £446 million, which is expected to create more than 400 British jobs.

This includes CMR Surgical exporting its next-generation 'Versius'&nbsp;surgical robotic system, which helps surgeons perform minimal access surgery being rolled out to hospitals in India.

This export deal is worth £200 million and will result in the creation of 100 new jobs in the UK.

''With almost 1.4 billion people, India's population is bigger than the EU and US combined and by far the largest market the UK has committed to negotiating a trade deal with to date,''&nbsp;Downing Street said.

The ETP agreed between India and the UK is said to create immediate opportunities for British businesses in India across industries including food and drink, life sciences and the service sector.

Non-tariff barriers on fruit and medical devices will be lowered, allowing British businesses to export more of their products to India and boosting UK growth and jobs.

It also commits both sides to addressing immediate market access barriers as well as continuing to seek further opportunities on the road to an FTA.

''The trade barriers addressed by the ETP include lifting restrictions to enable fruit producers across the UK to export British apples, pears and quince to India for the first time and improved access for medical devices through the acceptance of UK Certificates of Free Sale in India, removing the requirement for additional accreditation of UK medical devices when exporting to the Indian market before they can be sold.

There is also a commitment to deepening cooperation in educational services and concluding work on the recognition of UK higher education qualifications, which will encourage an increase in student flows, skills transfer and knowledge sharing between the UK and India.

It has also been agreed for both sides to work on removing barriers in the Indian legal services sector preventing UK lawyers from practising international and foreign law in India, a step that Downing Street could 'significantly increase'&nbsp;UK legal services exports and UK legal services imports from India.

According to official statistics, trade between the UK and India is already worth around&nbsp;£23 billion a year, supporting more than half a million jobs. 
Last week, Johnson spoke to Indian business leaders from companies Infosys and HCL and the software majors are among the Indian firms listed as part of a series of investment deals, set to create 1,000 jobs each in the UK.

Some of the others on the list include the likes of biotech firm Global Gene Corp, TVS Motors and Goila Butter Chicken.

The UK companies clinching export deals with India include Morningside Pharmaceuticals with an R&amp;D pact, Kloudpad with a data centres deal, BP in a partnership with Infosys, and GoZero Mobility with an e-bicycles deal.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The British government has finalised £1 billion ($1.4 billion) worth of trade and investment with India, creating over 6,500 jobs in Britain, ahead of the virtual summit between UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

The British government has finalised £1 billion ($1.4 billion) worth of trade and investment with India, creating over 6,500 jobs in Britain, ahead of the virtual summit between UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Tuesday. The investments confirmed by Downing Street on Monday evening form part of an Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP), which the two leaders will formally sign off during their talks. The ETP will set the ambition to double the value of UK-India trade by 2030 and declare a shared intent to begin work towards a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA). ''Like every aspect of the UK-India relationship, the economic links between our countries make our people stronger and safer,'' said Johnson. ''Each and every one of the more than 6,500 jobs we have announced today will help families and communities build back from coronavirus and boost the British and Indian economies. In the decade ahead, with the help of (the) new partnership signed today and a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, we will double the value of our trading partnership with India and take the relationship between our two countries to new highs,'' he said. The trade and investment package unveiled by the British government contains over £533 million of new Indian investment into the UK, covering areas such as healthcare and technology. This includes a GBP 240 million investment by the Serum Institute of India (SII) in the UK into its vaccine business and a new sales office in the country, expected to generate new business worth over $1 billion. Serum Institute's investment will support clinical trials, research and development, and "possibly" manufacturing of vaccines, to help the UK and the world defeat the coronavirus pandemic and other deadly diseases, Downing Street said. British businesses have also secured new export deals with India worth more than £446 million, which is expected to create more than 400 British jobs. This includes CMR Surgical exporting its next-generation 'Versius' surgical robotic system, which helps surgeons perform minimal access surgery being rolled out to hospitals in India. This export deal is worth £200 million and will result in the creation of 100 new jobs in the UK. ''With almost 1.4 billion people, India's population is bigger than the EU and US combined and by far the largest market the UK has committed to negotiating a trade deal with to date,'' Downing Street said. The ETP agreed between India and the UK is said to create immediate opportunities for British businesses in India across industries including food and drink, life sciences and the service sector. Non-tariff barriers on fruit and medical devices will be lowered, allowing British businesses to export more of their products to India and boosting UK growth and jobs. It also commits both sides to addressing immediate market access barriers as well as continuing to seek further opportunities on the road to an FTA. ''The trade barriers addressed by the ETP include lifting restrictions to enable fruit producers across the UK to export British apples, pears and quince to India for the first time and improved access for medical devices through the acceptance of UK Certificates of Free Sale in India, removing the requirement for additional accreditation of UK medical devices when exporting to the Indian market before they can be sold. There is also a commitment to deepening cooperation in educational services and concluding work on the recognition of UK higher education qualifications, which will encourage an increase in student flows, skills transfer and knowledge sharing between the UK and India. It has also been agreed for both sides to work on removing barriers in the Indian legal services sector preventing UK lawyers from practising international and foreign law in India, a step that Downing Street could 'significantly increase' UK legal services exports and UK legal services imports from India. According to official statistics, trade between the UK and India is already worth around £23 billion a year, supporting more than half a million jobs. Last week, Johnson spoke to Indian business leaders from companies Infosys and HCL and the software majors are among the Indian firms listed as part of a series of investment deals, set to create 1,000 jobs each in the UK. Some of the others on the list include the likes of biotech firm Global Gene Corp, TVS Motors and Goila Butter Chicken. The UK companies clinching export deals with India include Morningside Pharmaceuticals with an R&D pact, Kloudpad with a data centres deal, BP in a partnership with Infosys, and GoZero Mobility with an e-bicycles deal. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Boris Johnson announces $1.4 billion trade deal with India

Continuing the mission to help India amid the second wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>, the UK has announced that it will be sending extra 1,000 oxygen ventilators to the South Asian country.

The announcement was made by UK’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on a TV programme. "We're going to be sending out another package of 1,000 ventilators, very shortly." he announced.

Have a look |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-cases-spike-heres-a-list-of-countries-that-have-banned-travellers-from-india-381082" hreflang="en">As cases spike, here's a list of countries that have banned travellers from India</a>

Raab’s statement has come after the UK has already sent 495 oxygen concentrators and 200 ventilators to India a few days ago and is also in process of shipping three larger production units — also known as oxygen factories.

This announcement has come a few days before Raab is set to meet India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday for the G7 FMs meet.

Raab has also assured that the UK will help India in every possible way during these tough times and has pledged support in India’s "hour of need".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/oxygen-aid-arrives-in-india-amid-record-break-covid-numbers-382312" hreflang="en">Oxygen aid arrives in India amid record-break Covid numbers</a>

Meanwhile, several members of the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) are now organising virtual consultations for non-Covid patients in India to help the Indian doctors in these tough times.

"We are trying to do as much as we can in the form of fundraising to send equipment in the form of oxygen concentrators, creating capacity for ICU (intensive card) beds," Parag Singhal, BAPIO secretary told a local channel. "So that's one stream of work, but we are also trying to offer help to our exhausted colleagues in India —&nbsp;doctors are overstretched, they're working too hard."

Continuing the mission to help India amid the second wave of coronavirus, the UK has announced that it will be sending extra 1,000 oxygen ventilators to the South Asian country.

Continuing the mission to help India amid the second wave of coronavirus, the UK has announced that it will be sending extra 1,000 oxygen ventilators to the South Asian country. The announcement was made by UK’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on a TV programme. "We're going to be sending out another package of 1,000 ventilators, very shortly." he announced. Have a look | As cases spike, here's a list of countries that have banned travellers from India Raab’s statement has come after the UK has already sent 495 oxygen concentrators and 200 ventilators to India a few days ago and is also in process of shipping three larger production units — also known as oxygen factories. This announcement has come a few days before Raab is set to meet India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday for the G7 FMs meet. Raab has also assured that the UK will help India in every possible way during these tough times and has pledged support in India’s "hour of need". Also read | Oxygen aid arrives in India amid record-break Covid numbers Meanwhile, several members of the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) are now organising virtual consultations for non-Covid patients in India to help the Indian doctors in these tough times. "We are trying to do as much as we can in the form of fundraising to send equipment in the form of oxygen concentrators, creating capacity for ICU (intensive card) beds," Parag Singhal, BAPIO secretary told a local channel. "So that's one stream of work, but we are also trying to offer help to our exhausted colleagues in India — doctors are overstretched, they're working too hard."

UK to send 1,000 ventilators to India soon: Dominic Raab

The first shipment of Covid medical supplies from Britain&nbsp;to India, including 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators, arrived early Tuesday, the foreign ministry said.

Foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi tweeted photos of the equipment being unloaded from a German Lufthansa aircraft in New Delhi, calling it "international cooperation at work".

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International cooperation at work! Appreciate the shipment of vital medical supplies from 🇬🇧 including 100 ventilators &amp; 95 oxygen concentrators that arrived early this morning. <a href="https://t.co/MBZFwSn4cH">pic.twitter.com/MBZFwSn4cH</a>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1386859579816828931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Britain, one of several countries to announce sending help as India's health care system buckles under a huge surge in coronavirus cases, is despatching more than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment.

In total, nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators, will be sent this week, according to the British High Commission in New Delhi.

(With inputs from agencies)

The first shipment of Covid medical supplies from Britain to India, including 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators, arrived early Tuesday, the foreign ministry said.

The first shipment of Covid medical supplies from Britain to India, including 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators, arrived early Tuesday, the foreign ministry said. Foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi tweeted photos of the equipment being unloaded from a German Lufthansa aircraft in New Delhi, calling it "international cooperation at work". International cooperation at work! Appreciate the shipment of vital medical supplies from 🇬🇧 including 100 ventilators & 95 oxygen concentrators that arrived early this morning. pic.twitter.com/MBZFwSn4cH — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) April 27, 2021 × Britain, one of several countries to announce sending help as India's health care system buckles under a huge surge in coronavirus cases, is despatching more than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment. In total, nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators, will be sent this week, according to the British High Commission in New Delhi. (With inputs from agencies)

First shipment of UK coronavirus medical aid arrives in India

Britain's Heathrow Airport has refused to allow extra flights from India before the country is added on Friday to Britain's "red-list" of locations from which most travel is banned due to a high number of COVID-19 cases, the airport said on Wednesday.

The move by Britain comes after it detected more than 100 cases of a coronavirus variant first identified in India, Health Minister Matt Hancock said on Monday.

"We've made the difficult but vital decision to add India to the Red List. This means anyone who is not from the&nbsp;UK or an Irish resident or a British citizen cannot enter the UK if they've been in India in the previous 10 days," Hancock had told parliament.

Heathrow Airport's refusal to allow extra flights from India was reported earlier by the BBC, with the airport adding that it turned down the requests from airlines because of concerns about queues at passport control.

The airport also told Reuters it did not want to exacerbate existing pressures at the border by allowing more passengers to fly in.

India now faces a coronavirus "storm" overwhelming its health system, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a national address on Tuesday, with the world's second-most populous nation reporting 295,041 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday - the biggest daily rise reported in any country - stretching its hospitals to breaking point.

India's 2,023 deaths in one day were also its highest in the pandemic.

Britain's Heathrow Airport has refused to allow extra flights from India before the country is added on Friday to Britain's "red-list" of locations from which most travel is banned due to a high number of COVID-19 cases, the airport said on Wednesday.

Britain's Heathrow Airport has refused to allow extra flights from India before the country is added on Friday to Britain's "red-list" of locations from which most travel is banned due to a high number of COVID-19 cases, the airport said on Wednesday. The move by Britain comes after it detected more than 100 cases of a coronavirus variant first identified in India, Health Minister Matt Hancock said on Monday. "We've made the difficult but vital decision to add India to the Red List. This means anyone who is not from the UK or an Irish resident or a British citizen cannot enter the UK if they've been in India in the previous 10 days," Hancock had told parliament. Heathrow Airport's refusal to allow extra flights from India was reported earlier by the BBC, with the airport adding that it turned down the requests from airlines because of concerns about queues at passport control. The airport also told Reuters it did not want to exacerbate existing pressures at the border by allowing more passengers to fly in. India now faces a coronavirus "storm" overwhelming its health system, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a national address on Tuesday, with the world's second-most populous nation reporting 295,041 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday - the biggest daily rise reported in any country - stretching its hospitals to breaking point. India's 2,023 deaths in one day were also its highest in the pandemic.

Britain's Heathrow Airport turns down airline requests for extra flights from India

Britain on Monday imposed its strictest travel curbs on&nbsp;India&nbsp;after an explosion of coronavirus cases there, hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called off a trip to New Delhi.

"We've made the difficult but vital decision to add India to the Red List. This means anyone who is not from the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;or an Irish resident or a British citizen cannot enter the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;if they've been in India in the previous 10 days," Hancock told parliament.

"UK&nbsp;and Irish residents and British citizens who've been in India in the past 10 days before their arrival will need to complete hotel quarantine for 10 days from the time of arrival."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/british-pm-boris-johnson-cancels-visit-to-india-over-covid-surge-for-the-second-time-378586" hreflang="en">UK PM Boris Johnson cancels delayed visit to India over rising COVID cases</a>

The move was taken as a precaution while the variant first identified in India was assessed. Asked whether vaccines being rolled out in Britain worked against the variant, Hancock said he could not give that assurance but was looking to establish an answer as soon as possible.

"The core of my concern about the variant first found in India is that the vaccines may be less effective in terms of transmission and/or in terms of reducing hospitalisation and death," he said.

"It is the same concern that we have with the variant first found in South Africa, and is the core reason why we took the decision today."

Public Health England (PHE) has said that 77 cases of the so-called 'double mutant&nbsp;Indian variant have been detected in the UK since last month and that it has now been classed as a Variant Under Investigation (VUI).

In the event, the UK and Indian governments earlier Monday called off Johnson's visit, which was set for next week after already being postponed in January.

It would have been Johnson's first major foreign visit since he took office in 2019.

"In the light of the current coronavirus situation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not be able to travel to&nbsp;India&nbsp;next week," the two governments said in a joint statement.

They said that Johnson and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would instead speak later this month "to agree and launch their ambitious plans for the future partnership between the UK and&nbsp;India.&nbsp;

"They will remain in regular contact beyond this, and look forward to meeting in person later this year."

Cricket impact

Monday's announcement could also have a knock-on effect upon England's upcoming home international cricket schedule.

Several leading England and New Zealand cricketers currently taking part in the lucrative Indian Premier League tournament are expected to fly in for the two-match Test series that starts at London's Lord's ground on June 2.

Indian players could be affected too, with Virat Kohli's men set to face New Zealand in the inaugural World Test Championship final in Southampton later that month.&nbsp;

But the Rose Bowl ground at Southampton, the headquarters of county side Hampshire, boasts an on-site hotel and it was one of the venues, along with Manchester's Old Trafford, that has a similar set-up, which pioneered international cricket's return from coronavirus-enforced suspension last year.

A spokesperson for the International Cricket Council, the sport's global governing body, said: "The ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) and other Members have demonstrated how we can stage international cricket safely in the middle of a pandemic and we are confident that we can continue to do that and that the World Test Championship Final will go ahead as planned in June in the UK."

The&nbsp;India&nbsp;women's team is also due to arrive for a multi-format series against England starting on June 16.&nbsp;

Johnson's office had last week announced the visit would be shortened. It was originally organised to span three days and set to begin on April 26.

It had initially been heralded as an opportunity for Britain to refocus its international trade policy in the wake of Brexit as it pursues a so-called "global Britain" strategy.

But spiking coronavirus cases, hospitalisations and deaths in Britain earlier this year led to its delay.&nbsp;

Now, surging infections in&nbsp;India,&nbsp;where officials have recorded five consecutive days of more than 200,000 cases, have led to its cancellation altogether.

A total of 103 cases of the Indian variant have been identified in Britain, Hancock said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain on Monday imposed its strictest travel curbs on India after an explosion of coronavirus cases there, hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called off a trip to New Delhi.

Britain on Monday imposed its strictest travel curbs on India after an explosion of coronavirus cases there, hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called off a trip to New Delhi. "We've made the difficult but vital decision to add India to the Red List. This means anyone who is not from the UK or an Irish resident or a British citizen cannot enter the UK if they've been in India in the previous 10 days," Hancock told parliament. "UK and Irish residents and British citizens who've been in India in the past 10 days before their arrival will need to complete hotel quarantine for 10 days from the time of arrival." Also read| UK PM Boris Johnson cancels delayed visit to India over rising COVID cases The move was taken as a precaution while the variant first identified in India was assessed. Asked whether vaccines being rolled out in Britain worked against the variant, Hancock said he could not give that assurance but was looking to establish an answer as soon as possible. "The core of my concern about the variant first found in India is that the vaccines may be less effective in terms of transmission and/or in terms of reducing hospitalisation and death," he said. "It is the same concern that we have with the variant first found in South Africa, and is the core reason why we took the decision today." Public Health England (PHE) has said that 77 cases of the so-called 'double mutant Indian variant have been detected in the UK since last month and that it has now been classed as a Variant Under Investigation (VUI). In the event, the UK and Indian governments earlier Monday called off Johnson's visit, which was set for next week after already being postponed in January. It would have been Johnson's first major foreign visit since he took office in 2019. "In the light of the current coronavirus situation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not be able to travel to India next week," the two governments said in a joint statement. They said that Johnson and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would instead speak later this month "to agree and launch their ambitious plans for the future partnership between the UK and India. "They will remain in regular contact beyond this, and look forward to meeting in person later this year." Cricket impact Monday's announcement could also have a knock-on effect upon England's upcoming home international cricket schedule. Several leading England and New Zealand cricketers currently taking part in the lucrative Indian Premier League tournament are expected to fly in for the two-match Test series that starts at London's Lord's ground on June 2. Indian players could be affected too, with Virat Kohli's men set to face New Zealand in the inaugural World Test Championship final in Southampton later that month. But the Rose Bowl ground at Southampton, the headquarters of county side Hampshire, boasts an on-site hotel and it was one of the venues, along with Manchester's Old Trafford, that has a similar set-up, which pioneered international cricket's return from coronavirus-enforced suspension last year. A spokesperson for the International Cricket Council, the sport's global governing body, said: "The ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) and other Members have demonstrated how we can stage international cricket safely in the middle of a pandemic and we are confident that we can continue to do that and that the World Test Championship Final will go ahead as planned in June in the UK." The India women's team is also due to arrive for a multi-format series against England starting on June 16. Johnson's office had last week announced the visit would be shortened. It was originally organised to span three days and set to begin on April 26. It had initially been heralded as an opportunity for Britain to refocus its international trade policy in the wake of Brexit as it pursues a so-called "global Britain" strategy. But spiking coronavirus cases, hospitalisations and deaths in Britain earlier this year led to its delay. Now, surging infections in India, where officials have recorded five consecutive days of more than 200,000 cases, have led to its cancellation altogether. A total of 103 cases of the Indian variant have been identified in Britain, Hancock said. (With inputs from agencies)

UK adds India to COVID-19 travel 'red list' after Boris Johnson cancels tour

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled his delayed visit to India next week, his office said on Monday. This was to be his first major bilateral foreign visit since taking power in 2019.

Johnson had already postponed the trip once from January when COVID-19 infections were high in Britain. Infections in India are currently surging as the country endures a second wave of the virus.

"In the light of the current coronavirus situation, Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson will not be able to travel to India next week," a joint statement from the British and Indian governments said.

"Instead, Prime Ministers Modi and Johnson will speak later this month to agree and launch their ambitious plans for the future partnership between the UK and India."

Relations with India are seen as a key component of both Britain's post-Brexit ambitions to reinvigorate trade with countries outside the European Union, and a diplomatic push to gain more influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Britain has invited India to attend the G7 summit it is hosting in June.

Public Health England (PHE) has said that 77 cases of the so-called 'double mutant&nbsp;Indian variant have been detected in the UK since last month and that it has now been classed as a Variant Under Investigation (VUI).

The variant&nbsp;officially named B.1.617&nbsp;is believed to be almost certainly playing a part in the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic in India and a major spike in infection rates.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies)

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled his delayed visit to India next week, his office said on Monday. This was to be his first major bilateral foreign visit since taking power in 2019.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled his delayed visit to India next week, his office said on Monday. This was to be his first major bilateral foreign visit since taking power in 2019. Johnson had already postponed the trip once from January when COVID-19 infections were high in Britain. Infections in India are currently surging as the country endures a second wave of the virus. "In the light of the current coronavirus situation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not be able to travel to India next week," a joint statement from the British and Indian governments said. "Instead, Prime Ministers Modi and Johnson will speak later this month to agree and launch their ambitious plans for the future partnership between the UK and India." Relations with India are seen as a key component of both Britain's post-Brexit ambitions to reinvigorate trade with countries outside the European Union, and a diplomatic push to gain more influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Britain has invited India to attend the G7 summit it is hosting in June. Public Health England (PHE) has said that 77 cases of the so-called 'double mutant Indian variant have been detected in the UK since last month and that it has now been classed as a Variant Under Investigation (VUI). The variant officially named B.1.617 is believed to be almost certainly playing a part in the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic in India and a major spike in infection rates. (With input from agencies)

British PM Boris Johnson cancels visit to India over COVID surge, for the second time

The United Kingdom sees India as an important partner when it comes to bringing change on the ground in Myanmar. The situation has deteriorated in the country, with many protestors being killed more than a month after the coup by the military.

Speaking to a select group of reporters, the new British high commissioner Alex Ellis in his first briefing said, "The situation has got worse, it is a matter of great concern...India is important to partner to change the situation on the ground. How India does that is up to India. We need to keep the pressure up on the regime."

At the United Nations security council, UK has taken a lead on discussing the issue. The United Nations human rights council has also seen a lot of developments vis a vis coup on Myanmar, with several countries condemning the development.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-rights-chief-tells-myanmar-military-to-stop-murdering-protesters-367967" hreflang="en">UN rights chief tells Myanmar military to 'stop murdering' protesters</a>

Speaking on India-UK ties, the high commissioner pointed out the "political will" with "stars aligned" which is "shubh" (auspicious). UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to visit India soon, and Indian PM Modi will be going to the UK for the G7 summit later in the year.&nbsp;

Asked about UK Parliament set to discuss the farmers' protests in India, Alex Ellis said that it is an "internal matter of India" but "things that happen in India have ripples in the UK, partially because of Indian Diaspora"

After a petition which got lot of support, the UK Parliament will be discussing the issue on Monday. Indian mission in UK has reached out explaining that the farm laws is a reform agenda of Indian govt, dispelling any misconception.

Questions were also asked on extradition of Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi, Indian fugitives who had fled to UK, to which the envoy pointed out that his country, "recognizes the desire to get back people involved in corruption"

One of the most interesting aspects of his around one-hour long interaction with reporters was he highlighting that "World of the collapse of Soviet Union is over..that world is gone, we are in a new world", adding,"...white western model is over."

The United Kingdom sees India as an important partner when it comes to bringing change on the ground in Myanmar. The situation has deteriorated in the country, with many protestors being killed more than a month after the coup by the military.

The United Kingdom sees India as an important partner when it comes to bringing change on the ground in Myanmar. The situation has deteriorated in the country, with many protestors being killed more than a month after the coup by the military. Speaking to a select group of reporters, the new British high commissioner Alex Ellis in his first briefing said, "The situation has got worse, it is a matter of great concern...India is important to partner to change the situation on the ground. How India does that is up to India. We need to keep the pressure up on the regime." At the United Nations security council, UK has taken a lead on discussing the issue. The United Nations human rights council has also seen a lot of developments vis a vis coup on Myanmar, with several countries condemning the development. Also read: UN rights chief tells Myanmar military to 'stop murdering' protesters Speaking on India-UK ties, the high commissioner pointed out the "political will" with "stars aligned" which is "shubh" (auspicious). UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to visit India soon, and Indian PM Modi will be going to the UK for the G7 summit later in the year. Asked about UK Parliament set to discuss the farmers' protests in India, Alex Ellis said that it is an "internal matter of India" but "things that happen in India have ripples in the UK, partially because of Indian Diaspora" After a petition which got lot of support, the UK Parliament will be discussing the issue on Monday. Indian mission in UK has reached out explaining that the farm laws is a reform agenda of Indian govt, dispelling any misconception. Questions were also asked on extradition of Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi, Indian fugitives who had fled to UK, to which the envoy pointed out that his country, "recognizes the desire to get back people involved in corruption" One of the most interesting aspects of his around one-hour long interaction with reporters was he highlighting that "World of the collapse of Soviet Union is over..that world is gone, we are in a new world", adding,"...white western model is over."

Myanmar situation: UK sees India as an important partner to bring change

In the backdrop of farmers' protests in India, the British government&nbsp;has said that agricultural reform is the Indian government's domestic policy issue.

In response to a written question on Friday in the British Parliament, Nigel Adams, minister of Asia in British foreign office said, "We are aware of concerns in India and here in the UK about how these reforms might affect farming communities", pointing out, "Agricultural reform is a domestic policy issue for the Indian authorities to address."

Asked about the British government's assessment of the protests by farmers on 26 January, the British minister said, "The right to gather lawfully and demonstrate a point of view is common to all democracies. Governments also have the power to enforce law and order if a protest crosses the line into illegality..handling of protests is an internal matter for the Indian authorities."

In fact, last week saw several questions being asked by British MPs on other India-related issues, with the British government clearly reiterating its stance which is largely supportive of New Delhi.

A question was asked on China's aggressive actions towards India, to which Adams said, 'as neighbours, India and China have an important relationship with one another" and London "welcome discussions" while continuing to "support a peaceful resolution" between India and China of the border question &nbsp;

China's aggressive actions in 2020, especially with India at Galwan had led to a major blow in Delhi-Bejing ties. The country's action in Hong Kong with a new law has perturbed the UK and led to sharp exchanges between London and Bejing.

In a related question, on UK government's ties with QUAD--Australia, India, Japan and US, the minister of Asia&nbsp;said, "No decisions have yet been made on the form UK engagement with the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue could take."

Asked on Kashmir, Adams said, "The UK's position remains that it is for India and Pakistan to identify a lasting political resolution to the situation, one that takes into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people."

He elaborated that Kashmir was "raised" by British foreign secretary Dominic Raab during his India visit in December with his Indian counterpart External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.

On human rights issues in the union territory, Adams said, "Officials at the British High Commission in New Delhi engage regularly with human rights organizations on the situation. Any allegation of human rights abuses is deeply concerning and must be investigated thoroughly, promptly and transparently."

In the backdrop of farmers' protests in India, the British government has said that agricultural reform is the Indian government's domestic policy issue. In response to a written question on Friday in the British Parliament, Nigel Adams, minister of Asia in British foreign office said, "We are aware of concerns in India and here in the UK about how these reforms might affect farming communities", pointing out, "Agricultural reform is a domestic policy issue for the Indian authorities to address.

In the backdrop of farmers' protests in India, the British government has said that agricultural reform is the Indian government's domestic policy issue. In response to a written question on Friday in the British Parliament, Nigel Adams, minister of Asia in British foreign office said, "We are aware of concerns in India and here in the UK about how these reforms might affect farming communities", pointing out, "Agricultural reform is a domestic policy issue for the Indian authorities to address." Asked about the British government's assessment of the protests by farmers on 26 January, the British minister said, "The right to gather lawfully and demonstrate a point of view is common to all democracies. Governments also have the power to enforce law and order if a protest crosses the line into illegality..handling of protests is an internal matter for the Indian authorities." In fact, last week saw several questions being asked by British MPs on other India-related issues, with the British government clearly reiterating its stance which is largely supportive of New Delhi. A question was asked on China's aggressive actions towards India, to which Adams said, 'as neighbours, India and China have an important relationship with one another" and London "welcome discussions" while continuing to "support a peaceful resolution" between India and China of the border question China's aggressive actions in 2020, especially with India at Galwan had led to a major blow in Delhi-Bejing ties. The country's action in Hong Kong with a new law has perturbed the UK and led to sharp exchanges between London and Bejing. In a related question, on UK government's ties with QUAD--Australia, India, Japan and US, the minister of Asia said, "No decisions have yet been made on the form UK engagement with the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue could take." Asked on Kashmir, Adams said, "The UK's position remains that it is for India and Pakistan to identify a lasting political resolution to the situation, one that takes into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people." He elaborated that Kashmir was "raised" by British foreign secretary Dominic Raab during his India visit in December with his Indian counterpart External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. On human rights issues in the union territory, Adams said, "Officials at the British High Commission in New Delhi engage regularly with human rights organizations on the situation. Any allegation of human rights abuses is deeply concerning and must be investigated thoroughly, promptly and transparently."

Agricultural reform is India's domestic policy issue, British government says

The British government launched £4 million to India to support collaborative research under the UK-India tech partnership initiative.

The fund aims at developing tech solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges in India and is focused on two major tech clusters, artificial intelligence in Karnataka and future mobility in Maharashtra.

"I am delighted to announce the launch of this important fund which shows the UK and India working together as a force for good to address the key challenges facing India. The UK and India are leaders in the development and use of digital tech, and there is a huge amount we can learn from each other and big opportunities to join forces," British Deputy High Commissioner to India, Jan Thompson said while announcing the fund.

The UK-India tech partnership initiative was launched in April 2018, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK.

The UK is expected award between £200,000 - £500,000 over up to 24-months to fund research and development projects by researchers and industry from India and international partners, including the UK.

Head of the UK-India Tech Partnership, Karen McLuskie said, "When we bring our different strengths and perspectives together, we become a powerful force for good in the world."

The fund will take proposals in areas of safety and convenience, technology leap (energy storage tech, temperature-controlled transport, drone mobility), connectivity, and recycling and upgrading apart from smart mobility.

The British government launched £4 million to India to support collaborative research under the UK-India tech partnership initiative. The fund aims at developing tech solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges in India and is focused on two major tech clusters, artificial intelligence in Karnataka and future mobility in Maharashtra.

The British government launched £4 million to India to support collaborative research under the UK-India tech partnership initiative. The fund aims at developing tech solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges in India and is focused on two major tech clusters, artificial intelligence in Karnataka and future mobility in Maharashtra. "I am delighted to announce the launch of this important fund which shows the UK and India working together as a force for good to address the key challenges facing India. The UK and India are leaders in the development and use of digital tech, and there is a huge amount we can learn from each other and big opportunities to join forces," British Deputy High Commissioner to India, Jan Thompson said while announcing the fund. The UK-India tech partnership initiative was launched in April 2018, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK. The UK is expected award between £200,000 - £500,000 over up to 24-months to fund research and development projects by researchers and industry from India and international partners, including the UK. Head of the UK-India Tech Partnership, Karen McLuskie said, "When we bring our different strengths and perspectives together, we become a powerful force for good in the world." The fund will take proposals in areas of safety and convenience, technology leap (energy storage tech, temperature-controlled transport, drone mobility), connectivity, and recycling and upgrading apart from smart mobility.

UK launches £4 million fund for researchers in India

How Will Boris Johnson's Elevation Impact UK's Ties With India, U.S. & The E.U. Inking trade deals and ensuring strong ties with India and the U.S. would be top priority for the new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. But before that, he also has to ensure a safe exit from the European Union. And that Brexit process could leave the advantage in the hands of the U.S. and India. On #WionEdit, Palki analyses the immediate future of UK under Johnson

WION Edit: Johnson as PM: What future holds for the UK?

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