United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled his planned visit to India later this month, Reuters reported. He cited the need to oversee the pandemic response at home, for cancelling the trip.

Johnson was the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26.

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The UK PM spoke to PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday morning, “to express his regret that he will be unable to visit India later this month as planned,” a Downing Street spokeswoman said, Reuters reported.

“In light of the national lockdown announced last night, and the speed at which the new coronavirus variant is spreading, the prime minister said that it was important for him to remain in the UK so he can focus on the domestic response to the virus,” the spokeswoman added.

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said, the two leaders had a telephonic conversation in which the UK PM reiterated his thanks for India’s invitation for him as Chief Guest of Republic Day celebrations but regretted his inability to attend in view of changed coronavirus situation in the country, ANI reported.

“Johnson reiterated his keenness to visit India in the near future,” the PMO statement read.

“PM Modi expressed his understanding of the exceptional situation in the UK, and conveyed his best wishes for the quick control of the pandemic spread,” it added.

The UK is seeking a surge of a new strain of coronavirus, which experts believe is more contagious than the original one found in Wuhan, China.

Several countries, including India, have banned air travel to and from the country. 

Also read: UK lockdown could extend till March, says minister

The UK, on Tuesday, entered a tough stay-at-home lockdown to slow the spread of the mutant coronavirus.