Boris Johnson Cancels Republic Day Visit to India
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had accepted India’s invitation to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. Johnson has now canceled his visit to India due for the spread of t
United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson had accepted the invite by India to be the chief guest at the 72nd Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on 26th January. He had described it as a "great honor." Johnson had also invited Modi to join the UK-hosted G7 summit.
Johnson has now canceled his visit to India for the Republic Day event, a spokesperson confirmed on 5TH JAN. The spokesperson said, "In light of the national lockdown announced last night, and the speed at which the new coronavirus variant is spreading, the PM said that it was important for him to remain in the UK so he can focus on the response to the virus."
Johnson spoke to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to express his regret on Tuesday morning.
In light of the mutated strain, Johnson on Monday announced that people in England will return to a full lockdown.
Several countries, including India, have imposed travel restrictions on the UK.
In India, 58 people have been found to be carrying the mutated strain of the coronavirus, according to the latest figures furnished by the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday. Reportedly, all those who tested positive had either returned from the UK or came in close contact with someone who did.