PM, UK’s Boris Johnson to hold virtual summit on May 4
By TIOL News Service
NEW DELHI, MAY 03, 2021: THE Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, and his counterpart Mr Boris Johnson will launch a comprehensive ‘Roadmap 2030’ to expand and deepen India-UK cooperation over the next decade during a virtual summit on May 4.
The roadmap will pave the way for bilateral cooperation in five areas – people-to-people relationship, trade and prosperity, defence and security, climate action and healthcare, said the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The summit will act as a replacement for Mr Johnson’s two cancelled trips to India, one as Republic Day chief guest in January and then an official visit in April, due to the COVID-19 crisis.
“The summit will be an important opportunity to elevate our multi-faceted strategic ties and enhance cooperation on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” said the PMO.
Both leaders will also discuss COVID-19 cooperation as Downing Street said 1,000 more ventilators will be sent from the UK’s surplus to Indian hospitals, in addition to 200 ventilators, 495 oxygen concentrators and three oxygen generations units.
"The terrible images we have seen in India in recent weeks are all the more powerful because of the close and enduring connection between the people of the UK and India," said PM Johnson, adding “The UK will always be there for India in its time of need.”
Besides, England's Chief Medical Officer Mr Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser Mr Patrick Vallance have spoken to their Indian counterparts to provide advice, insight and expertise to the Indian healthcare system as it deals with one of the world's worse surges in infections.
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is also establishing a clinical advisory group led by Chief People Officer Ms Prerana Isaar to support India's Covid response. The group will work with Indian institutions such as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to share experience on managing COVID-19 outbreaks. The group will include researchers in public and global health, and nursing and other health professionals who have experience of the Indian healthcare system.
“This support will help urgently meet some of India’s acute needs, particularly oxygen for patients. We are determined to help our Indian friends in their hour of need. No one is safe until we are all safe,” said UK Foreign Secretary Mr Dominic Raab.
India and the UK enjoy a strategic partnership since 2004, marked by regular high level exchanges and growing convergences in diverse areas.