Boris Johnson’s India: A Relationship “Unleashed”

Boris Johnson’s memoir, ‘Unleashed,’ offers a revealing glimpse into his personal and political journey, with a particular focus on his relationship with India and its leader, Narendra Modi. The book showcases his admiration for Modi, highlighting the blossoming bilateral ties between the two nations during Johnson’s tenure as Prime Minister.

A Curious Astral Energy: Johnson’s Impressions of Modi

Johnson describes a compelling encounter with Modi during his time as Mayor of London. During a visit to his office, Modi captivated Johnson with his charismatic presence and a palpable “astral energy” that resonated deeply. This encounter marked the beginning of a profound connection between the two leaders, characterized by mutual respect and a shared vision for a robust India-UK partnership.

Beyond Trade: A Vision for Deep Cooperation

Johnson’s admiration for Modi extends beyond mere personality, emphasizing Modi’s role as a “change-maker” in the Indo-Pacific. He champions the importance of a robust free-trade agreement with India, seeing it as a catalyst for wider bilateral collaboration. However, his vision extends beyond trade, encompassing a strategic partnership that tackles critical issues like climate change and educational collaborations.

Johnson believes in a deeper engagement with India, particularly in the realm of military technology. He reveals his efforts to overcome internal resistance from the UK Ministry of Defence, fostering a cooperative framework for joint ventures in areas such as submarine construction, helicopter development, and marine propulsion technology. This shift signifies a break from traditional apprehensions concerning India’s past military ties with Russia.

Navigating a Sensitive Relationship with Russia

While praising Modi’s leadership, Johnson acknowledged the historical and geopolitical complexities of India’s relationship with Russia. He acknowledged India’s reliance on Russian hydrocarbons and its long-standing non-aligned stance. However, he also believed in the potential for a “modulation” in India’s approach, advocating for a reassessment of its reliance on Russian military hardware in light of the conflict in Ukraine.

Johnson felt it was crucial to have this dialogue with India, despite the potential sensitivities. He saw India’s strategic choices as being particularly important given the “global inflection point” brought on by Russia’s actions. He was unafraid to push for a “tougher line” towards Russia, drawing inspiration from the Queen’s own interactions with Indian leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru.

A Partnership Rooted in Personal Connections and Historical Ties

The depth of Johnson’s appreciation for India extends beyond policy considerations. He emphasizes his personal connection to India through his children’s Sikh heritage, making him a frequent attendee of Indian weddings and a fervent advocate for the country’s cultural richness. He points to his own experience, emphasizing the importance of personal and cultural connections in forging strong diplomatic ties.

Johnson’s memoir paints a positive picture of India-UK relations, emphasizing the role he played in bolstering the relationship during his time as Prime Minister. He acknowledges the challenges, but also underlines the shared ambitions and the possibilities for cooperation in building a strong and enduring strategic partnership.

Take Away Points

• Boris Johnson views Narendra Modi as a crucial figure in shaping India-UK relations.
• The relationship is seen as extending beyond trade to encompass a broader strategic partnership in various areas.
• Johnson championed greater cooperation on defense and technological fronts, while acknowledging historical sensitivities.
• The book reveals insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding India-UK cooperation in a globalized world.
• Personal and cultural connections are highlighted as playing an important role in strengthening the bond between the two countries.