How India reacted to UK PM Boris Johnson’s resignation

India’s reaction to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s resignation was primarily connected to ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement. Arindam Bagchi, India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, cast a shadow of uncertainty on the deal’s future.

However, New Delhi did not comment on any leadership change. Bagchi said in a statement, “We have a multi-faceted partnership with the UK and we hope this will continue”, media reports suggest. “There is some degree of optimism that it could be done soon. It would be nice if we could do that”, he added.

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While addressing the trade deal negotiations, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said, “We attach importance to negotiations that are going on with the UK on a trade deal. Whether a change of the prime minister or leadership in the UK would impact that would be in the speculation zone.”

India and the United Kingdom kicked off negotiations for the new deal in January this year and hoped to reach a final consensus by Diwali this year, which is on October 24.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also travelled to India in April 2021 and met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders also met at the recent G7 summit in Germany.

Also Read: As Boris Johnson resigns, Ukraine thanks former British PM for all his support

How did other world leaders react?

“We all heard this news with sadness. Not only me, but also the entire Ukrainian society, which is very sympathetic to you (Johnson). My entire office and all Ukrainians are grateful to you for your help.” — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

“It’s obvious to everyone that liberal regimes are in a deep political, ideological and economic crisis. The situation of Britain’s half-decay causes concern. The loss of control, chaos, nosedive, that’s how it’s described by experts.” — Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.