New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Boris Johnson on Monday discussed the current situation in Afghanistan and reviewed progress in bilateral ties since their virtual summit earlier this year.
In a telephonic conversation, both agreed on the need to develop a common international perspective on issues related to extremism and terrorism as well as the rights of women and minorities.
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The UK government wrote in a statement that the two leaders spoke about the current situation in Afghanistan and agreed on the need for a coordinated international approach with the Taliban.
On the fight against COVID-19, the two leaders agreed that the recognition of Indian vaccine certification by the UK is a welcome development.
The conversation comes four days after the UK announced that Indian travelers fully vaccinated with both doses of Kovidshield or any other vaccine approved by it will not undergo a 10-day mandatory quarantine upon arrival from October 11. Will happen.
“The leaders also exchanged views on regional developments, particularly the situation in Afghanistan. In this context, they agreed on the need to develop a common international perspective on issues of extremism and terrorism as well as human rights and rights of women and minorities,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
The two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral relations since their virtual summit earlier this year and expressed satisfaction over the steps already taken under the Roadmap 2030.
“They also reviewed the progress of the enhanced trade partnership and agreed on the possibility of rapid expansion of trade and investment ties between the two countries,” the foreign ministry wrote.
In the context of the COP-26 meeting to be held in Glasgow in early November, PM Modi and his British counterpart also held extensive discussions on issues related to climate change.
According to the statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, PM Modi conveyed India’s commitment to climate action, as seen in his ambitious target of expanding renewable energy and the recently announced National Hydrogen Mission.
The Roadmap 2030 was adopted at a virtual summit in May between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Boris Johnson.
It aims to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and guide cooperation in key areas of trade and economy, defense and security, climate change and people-to-people contacts over the next decade.
Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter and wrote: “Glad to speak to Prime Minister Boris Johnson. We reviewed progress on the India-UK Agenda 2030, exchanged views on climate action in the context of the upcoming COP-26 in Glasgow and shared our assessments on regional issues, including Afghanistan.
Nice to talk to Prime Minister @BorisJohnson. We reviewed progress on the India-UK Agenda 2030, exchanged views on climate action in the context of the upcoming COP-26 in Glasgow and shared our assessments on regional issues, including Afghanistan.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 11 October 2021
COVID-19 and climate change
Meanwhile, the British statement said the two prime ministers also discussed the shared fight against the coronavirus pandemic and the importance of a cautious opening up of international travel.
“They agreed that the recognition of Indian vaccine certification by the UK is a welcome development to that end,” he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
“The leaders also talked about the current situation in Afghanistan. They agreed on the need for a coordinated international approach to engagement with the Taliban, stressing the importance of upholding human rights in the country.
Leaders look forward to the upcoming visit of the UK Carrier Strike Group to India and the deepening of the UK-India strategic partnership.
According to the statement released by the UK, Johnson underscored the importance of making concrete progress on climate change ahead of the COP26 summit.
“He added that India is already leading the world in renewable technology and expressed hope that they will commit to a more ambitious contribution nationally and achieve net zero emissions,” he said.
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