Boris Johnson’s new memoir, ‘Unleashed’, provides insights into his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his views on the India-UK partnership. He describes his first meeting with Modi as an encounter with “curious astral energy”, praising Modi as a “change-maker” essential for strengthening ties between the two countries.
A “Change-Maker” in the Making
Johnson emphasizes his strong belief in Modi’s ability to drive a meaningful and impactful India-UK relationship. He attributes this conviction to an almost mystical experience during their first meeting at the London Mayor’s office in 2012.
Astral Energy and Beyond
The memoir details the atmosphere surrounding the encounter: “He raised my arm and chanted something or other in Hindi, and though I couldn’t follow it I felt his curious astral energy.” This incident solidified Johnson’s belief that Modi was the right partner to forge a robust India-UK partnership, exceeding just a trade deal.
Beyond the Trade Deal
Johnson’s enthusiasm for India and Modi’s leadership transcends a mere economic transaction. He envisions a multifaceted collaboration, emphasizing its importance as a “long-term partnership, as friends and equals.” He expresses his personal connection to India through his children’s heritage, further demonstrating a deeper understanding and appreciation for the country.
Navigating the “Global Inflection Point”
Johnson’s memoir delves into his attempt to nudge India towards a more critical stance against Russia during the Ukraine conflict. He acknowledges India’s historical ties with Russia, citing India’s dependence on Russian hydrocarbons as a major factor influencing their neutrality.
Russia’s Less Accurate “Missiles”
Despite recognizing the historical context, Johnson calls for a reassessment of India’s relationship with Russia, challenging their reliance on Russian military hardware. He even draws a comparison to the accuracy of his own tennis serve, raising concerns about the reliability of Russian technology.
A Gentle Push for Realignment
Johnson reveals a desire for a more aligned strategic posture, arguing that India needs to rethink its relationship with Russia, especially with the shifting global dynamics brought on by the Ukraine crisis. His suggestion implies a move towards a stronger alignment with the West, marking a shift from historical non-alignment policies.
A Legacy of “Tougher Line” Advocacy
The book also touches upon Johnson’s discussions with the late Queen Elizabeth II, highlighting her perspective on India’s stance on Russia. He references her memory of a conversation with former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, where he asserted India’s permanent allegiance to Russia. This episode underscores Johnson’s awareness of historical complexities and his approach to pushing India towards a stronger position on the Russia issue.
Learning from History
Despite Queen Elizabeth’s reminder about India’s historical ties to Russia, Johnson emphasizes the importance of taking a tougher line. He emphasizes the need to address the changing international landscape and calls for greater strategic cooperation between India and the West.
Building on Shared History
Johnson claims credit for setting the stage for a robust India-UK free trade deal by identifying Modi as the ideal partner. He acknowledges a initial reluctance within the UK Foreign Office regarding Modi, but emphasizes the “tremendous success” of his own visit to India as PM, emphasizing its potential to provide “balm for the soul” amidst challenging domestic circumstances.
Beyond Trade, a Shared Vision
He goes beyond the usual focus on trade, climate change, and education partnerships, championing a comprehensive strategic collaboration between India and the UK. This includes joint ventures in military and technology sectors, including initiatives for submarines, helicopters, and marine propulsion systems.
Addressing Internal Concerns
The memoir sheds light on Johnson’s efforts to address concerns within the Ministry of Defence (MoD) about India’s close relationship with Russia. He reveals his determination to overcome this skepticism and move forward with a comprehensive program of collaboration, marking a new chapter in India-UK relations.
Takeaway Points
- Boris Johnson sees Narendra Modi as a “change-maker” pivotal for strengthening India-UK relations.
- He believes the relationship should extend beyond trade to encompass a broader partnership as equals.
- He expresses his understanding of India’s historical relationship with Russia but urges a shift in their dependence on Russian military hardware.
- Johnson champions a deeper and more comprehensive collaboration between India and the UK, going beyond traditional trade partnerships to embrace strategic cooperation in defense, technology, and other critical areas.
- His vision envisions a shared future built on mutual trust and shared goals, further solidifying the growing partnership between India and the UK.
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