United Kingdom’s (UK) Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India in April 2021.This will be Johnson’s first major international visit following Britain’s exit from the European Union (EU). This visit indicates the UK government’s tilt towards the Indo-Pacific
On March 16, the UK unveiled its “integrated review” of security, defence, development and foreign policy. The integrated review set out several shifts in foreign policy, including a tilt to the Indo-Pacific. This is the “most comprehensive [integrated review] since the Cold War” as per the statement given by Mr Johonson to the British Parliament.
As per the official statement, Mr Johnson will visit India at the end of April to “unlock opportunities in the region and “strengthen our ties with the world’s largest democracy”.
Mr Boris Johnson was to be the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in January 2021, his trip was called off due to the new emerging variant of coronavirus in the UK.
The Integrated Review is a 100 page document released by the UK government. It is a comprehensive articulation of the UK’s national security and international policy which outlines three fundamental national interests of the country – sovereignty, security and prosperity. In 2015, the UK released Strategic Defence and Security Review. As per the official release by the UK government, the country felt the need of an updated version since “the world has changed considerably since the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, as has the UK’s place within it.”
The document outlines Mr Johonson’s vision of the UK in 2030 and international policy required to achieve it. The policy paper emphasises on “openness as a source of prosperity”, “a more robust position on security and resilience”, “a renewed commitment to the UK as a force for good in the world”,and “an increased determination to seek multilateral solutions to challenges like climate change”.
In his address to the UK’s Parliament, Mr Johonson said, “China will pose a great challenge for an open society such as ours.” However, he also emphasised the need to work with China on issues of common interest, like “building a stronger and positive economic relationship and in addressing climate change.”
