‘No strain’ from UK over India’s stance on Ukraine struggle: Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla

By PTI

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the Russia-Ukraine battle along with his British counterpart Boris Johnson and conveyed robust advocacy for a peaceable decision and direct dialogue between the 2 events concerned, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla stated on Friday, asserting that the UK utilized “no pressure” over New Delhi’s place on the matter.

Briefing reporters on talks between Modi and Johnson, Shringla stated that Prime Minister Modi expressed deep concern over the continued scenario in Ukraine and the mounting humanitarian disaster there.

The overseas secretary stated that throughout the talks there was “no pressure” utilized from the British aspect relating to the problem of adherence to sanctions on Russia and Johnson simply shared his views on the Ukraine difficulty.

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Asked if Boris Johnson put strain on the Indian aspect to stick to the sanctions towards Russia, Shringla stated, “The Ukraine issue was discussed by the two prime ministers but there was no pressure involved. Prime Minister Boris Johnson put forward his views on the Ukraine issue from his perspective.”

Prime Minister Modi put ahead India’s perspective on the Ukraine difficulty and asserted that “we are on the side of peace”, and need that there needs to be dialogue and diplomacy, and the battle needs to be resolved quickly, he stated.

India’s place was very clear and there was “no pressure of any kind”, he asserted. “The two leaders also discussed the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. Prime Minister (Modi) expressed deep concern over the ongoing situation and mounting humanitarian crisis. Prime Minister (Modi) reiterated his call for immediate cessation of violence and conveyed strong advocacy for peaceful resolution of the situation, and direct dialogue between the two parties,” Shringla stated.

The overseas secretary stated Modi and Johnson additionally mentioned the continued Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and cooperation on power, inexperienced hydrogen, commerce, and defence. The talks offered a chance to debate regional and world problems with mutual curiosity, together with cooperation within the Indo-Pacific, he stated.

India welcomed the UK becoming a member of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative underneath the maritime safety pillar and agreed to cooperate intently on this area in the direction of their shared dedication for sustaining an open, free and safe Indo-Pacific area, Shringla stated.

The overseas secretary stated either side felt defence and safety was an space of potential cooperation. “As I told you, the UK’s recent announcement about providing an open general licence for the export of equipment and technologies to India has been a welcome development. There was a discussion on what we could do… some of the areas that we discussed included electrical propulsion systems that can be used by naval ships, also some work on jet propulsion systems, aviation sector, underwater sea domain etc,” he stated.

But what’s essential was that either side agreed that the 2 international locations would facilitate conferences between their involved scientists, he stated. “In other words the focus is on co-development and co-production in keeping with our initiative of make in India and our policy of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The idea was that there would be greater emphasis on two salient features –which is production in India and transfer of technology. So, what we are looking at is a combination of UK’s technology and our production base to make a win-win situation,” Shringla stated.

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Shringla stated reference was additionally made throughout the talks to simpler mobility between the 2 international locations, particularly for college kids and professionals. “…UK universities could also consider setting up their branches in India, at the same time he (PM Modi) also encouraged UK students to also study in India,” he stated.