The Prime Minister was forced to postpone his trip to India indefinitely due to surge in infections in the country, but this will not derail the £100bn proposed trade deal.
Boris Johnson has said he plans to hold a call with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and will reschedule his trip as and “circumstances allow.”
Gaurav Singh, co-founder of venture capitalist firm JPIN VCATS said, “Communication between the British Prime Minister and his Indian counterpart is of vital importance to both nations due to the hope that a Free Trade Agreement can be negotiated.
“While decision was quite rightly taken not to physically travel due to the rise in Covid-19 cases throughout the subcontinent, I hope a productive conversation can still be had around easing trade barriers and ensuring prosperity for both nations.
“In times of this potential crisis, international cooperation is incredibly important.”
Singh added, “It has often been said that it is a global approach that will be the way out of this Pandemic, and so the ability to communicate and discuss ideas is vital.
“Out of all the incredible opportunities throughout the world, India stands out for the British government, business leaders, and investors, and for good reason, and to ensure a continued symbiotic relationship, the FTA should be put down on paper as soon as possible.
“The Silk Road has been the world’s most important trade route for millennia, and all the forecasts point to it only becoming more important as emerging economies, particularly India, grow exponentially.”
Johnson said, ”Narendra Modi and I have basically come to the conclusion that, very sadly, I won’t be able to go ahead with the trip.
“I do think it’s only sensible to postpone given what’s happened in India, the shape of the pandemic there.”
He added, “Of course it will be frustrating, but we’ll try and replicate as much as we can remotely, and then look forward to doing it in person, as and when circumstances allow and hopefully before the COP summit in November, and hopefully we’ll get Narendra Modi over for the G7 in June.”
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