Johnson and Modi talk trade, Afghanistan and climate change ahead of COP26 summit
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Boris Johnson on Monday (11) discussed bilateral trade, vaccines and the recent developments in Afghanistan, according to official statements by both sides.
Following a telephone conversation between Modi and Johnson, the UK government said both leaders agreed on a “co-ordinated international approach” to engagement with the Taliban in Afghanistan.
On the fight against the pandemic, they agreed that the UK’s recognition of the Indian vaccine certification was a welcome development, the statement added.
The talks came four days after the UK announced that Indian travellers who were fully vaccinated with both doses of Covishield or any other vaccine approved by it will not be required to undergo a 10-day mandatory quarantine on arrival from October 11 (see box, right).
“The leaders also exchanged views on regional developments, especially the situation in Afghanistan. In this context, they agreed on the need to develop a common international perspective on issues regarding extremism and terrorism, as well as human rights
and rights of women and minorities,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
In addition, Modi and Johnson reviewed the progress in bilateral ties since their virtual summit in May, especially in relation to the Roadmap 2030. It is aimed at enhancing bilateral ties in the next decade in areas such as trade and economy, defence and security, climate change and people-topeople links, among others.
“They also reviewed the progress of the Enhanced Trade Partnership and agreed on the potential of rapidly expanding trade and investment linkages between
both countries,” said.
It added that Johnson and Modi also discussed climate change in view of the forthcoming COP26 meeting in Glasgow in early November.
Modi conveyed India’s commitment to climate change action, as seen in its target for expansion of renewable energy and the recently announced National Hydrogen Mission.
The UK statement said both prime ministers discussed the shared fight against coronavirus and the importance of cautiously opening up international travel.
the MEA statement
“They agreed the UK’s recognition of Indian vaccine certification is a welcome development to that end,” it said.
“The leaders also talked about the current situation in Afghanistan. They agreed on the need for a co-ordinated international approach to engagement with the Taliban, emphasising the importance of upholding human rights in the country,” it said.
On Twitter, Modi said: “Was a pleasure to speak to Prime Minister
@BorisJohnson. We reviewed progress on the India-UK Agenda 2030, exchanged views on climate action in the context of the forthcoming COP-26 in Glasgow, and shared our assessments on regional issues including Afghanistan.”