Boris Johnson India Visit Latest Updates: On the second day of his two-day India visit, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. On his arrival, the British PM was accorded a Guard of Honour.

The UK's partnership with India is a "beacon" in "stormy seas" at a time the world is facing growing threats from autocratic states which seek to undermine democracy, choke off fair trade and trample on sovereignty, Boris Johnson said today.

"It is a very auspicious moment in India-UK friendship and two democracies, largest and one of the oldest. I do not think things have ever been so strong and good between India and UK as they are now," he added.

The British PM arrived in India on Thursday on a two-day visit in the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war. His first visit was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was received by Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar at the airport in Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

Johnson also visited the Sabarmati Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi led India's freedom struggle. He is the first British prime minister to visit the Ashram.

He praised "extraordinary man" Mahatma Gandhi for mobilising the principles of truth and non-violence to make a difference in the world.

We bring to you the highlights from Boris Johnson's India visit:

Boris Johnson says that India-UK FTA will be concluded by Diwali. When asked if he will even continue as PM till then due to the partygate investigation, he said he will.

Boris Johnson: The UK and India have conversations on human rights in a friendly and informal manner. India has constitutional protections for human rights, which is very different from autocracies. As friends we do raise tough questions in conversations

Boris Johnson: We do not tolerate extremist groups setting up in the UK and threatening India. UK has set up an anti extremist task force to help India.

Boris Johnson: UK will reopen its embassy in Kyiv next week. It's realistic to assume that the war in Ukraine may continue till end of next year. Situation in Ukraine is unpredictable at this stage, but Putin will not conquer the spirit of the Ukrainian people.

Boris Johnson: Tariffs on whiskey is a tough one, would be great if we can address that.

Boris Johnson: Legal technicalities have made it difficult to extradite Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya; UK doesn't welcome people who are evading the law in India; UK government has on its part cleared the extradition of Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya

India raised the issue of Khalistan with UK PM Johnson, who said the UK is sensitive to India’s concerns and there will be zero tolerance to this issue: Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla pic.twitter.com/MtRlfZK9Qs

— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2022

UK PM Boris Johnson to address a press conference in Delhi at 4pm

UK PM Boris Johnson at joint press meet:

-PM Modi a 'khaas dost'

-I felt a bit a like Sachin Tendulkar and Amitabh Bachchan as I was welcomed in Gujarat

-Threats of autocratic coercion have grown even further

-UK and India have agreed on a stronger defense partnership

-Agreed to collaborate on threats on land, sea, air and cyber space

-UK to offer fighter jet technology to India

-UK will issue an open general export license to India to ease defense procurement

-My visit has deepened the economic partnership and has led to deals worth one billion pounds

-We have full agreement on FTA

-Thank PM Modi for reducing tariffs on apples

-Have told negotiators to conclude India-UK FTA by Diwali

"We have always stressed the need for diplomacy and dialogue to end the war in Ukraine... Afghanistan should not be used to perpetrate terror against other nations," added PM Modi at the joint press meet.

PM Modi's remarks at joint press meet with UK PM Johnson:

-Welcome UK PM Boris Johnson to India

-Both nations have already established a comprehensive strategic partnership

-Negotiations on India UK FTA going well, we have decided to conclude negotiations by end of this year

-Agreed to enhance cooperation on defence technology, design and development

-Welcome UK's proposal to support India's self reliance in defense

-Welcome UK's interest in India's national infrastructure pipeline

PM Modi speaking at a joint press meet with UK PM Boris Johnson.

Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Boris Johnson conclude talks in New Delhi. They discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between India and UK, said PMO India.

#WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Boris Johnson hold talks at Delhi's Hyderabad House

(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/AlMBrLLB1f— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2022

(With inputs from agencies)

First Published:Apr 22, 2022 12:21 PM IST