In a recent memoir titled 'Unleashed,' former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has heaped praise on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a 'change-maker' and highlighting the significant strides made in India-UK relations under their leadership. This article delves into the key points of Johnson's memoir, focusing on his interactions with Modi and the implications of their relationship for international diplomacy.
Johnson's memoir, which hit the shelves in the UK this week, features a dedicated chapter on India-UK ties. The chapter is a testament to the strong bond between the two leaders and the substantial progress achieved in their partnership. Boris Johnson credits himself with setting the course for a 'proper free-trade deal' with India, attributing this success to finding 'exactly the partner and friend' in PM Modi.
One of the most striking aspects of Johnson's memoir is his description of his first meeting with PM Modi. The encounter took place outside City Hall in London, where Modi 'raised my arm and chanted something in Hindi, and though I couldnt follow it, I felt his curious astral energy.' This encounter marked the beginning of a long-term partnership between the two leaders, with Johnson describing Modi as the 'change-maker our relationship needs.'
Johnson's initial meeting with Modi was not without its challenges. In 2012, during his first trade trip to India as Mayor of London, he was advised by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to avoid meeting Modi due to his perceived status as a 'Hindu nationalist.' However, despite these warnings, Johnson and Modi eventually met, and their relationship blossomed into a significant diplomatic partnership.
A pivotal moment in their relationship came during Johnson's visit to India in April 2022. This visit was particularly significant as it coincided with Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Johnson aimed to reduce India's reliance on Russian energy and defense, encouraging India to align its policies with the West. He received a reception 'like an orchestrated orgy of state-sponsored Beatlemania,' which he described as a testament to the strong ties between India and the UK.
Johnson's visit also highlighted the historical context behind India's non-alignment with the West. He understood 'the reasons for Indias post-war non-alignment with the West' and 'Indias dependence on Russian hydrocarbons.' However, he questioned whether it was time for India to rethink its alignment with Russia and China, suggesting that Russian missiles were less accurate statistically than his first serve at tennis.
Despite these challenges, Johnson's efforts were met with success. He managed to overcome the qualms of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), who were concerned about India's closeness to Russia. Together, they agreed to work on various military technologies, including submarines, helicopters, and marine propulsion units. This collaboration marked a significant step forward in their bilateral relationship.
Johnson also shared a private conversation he had with Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral two days before her death. He discussed the difficulties the UK government faced in persuading India to take a tougher line with Russia on the Ukraine war. The Queen recounted a conversation she had with Jawaharlal Nehru in the 1950s, where he told her that India would always side with Russia and that some things would never change.
In conclusion, Boris Johnson's memoir 'Unleashed' provides a detailed account of his relationship with PM Modi and the strides made in India-UK diplomacy. Their partnership is a testament to the power of strong leadership and strategic collaboration in international relations. As Johnson writes, 'With Modi, I felt sure, we could not only do a great free-trade deal but also build a long-term partnership, as friends and equals.'
