Boris Johnson cancels India visit
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson cancelled his visit to India_ hours after he announced a fresh lockdown in the United Kingdom over the new strain of coronavirus that has affected thousands of people in the UK. Mr Johnson was to be the chief guest at this year's Republic Day parade in New Delhi_ which was also to be his first bilateral visit after the UK's departure from the European Union in December. He had accepted the invitation last month.
"Boris Johnson spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi_ to express his regret that he will be unable to visit India later this month as planned_" read a statement from his Downing Street office.
"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 statement read.
Johnson's government has announced a complete lockdown for England's 56 million people_ which could last until mid-February.
The measures were taken amid a huge spurt in coronavirus cases which saw 80_000 fresh infections on one day in the end of December. If unchecked_ the National Health Service will be overwhelmed_ Mr Johnson had said while making the lockdown announcement_ which came into effect on Monday night.
On Tuesday_ the UK recorded more than 60_000 new cases.
The UK strain of virus has already reached India_ with 58 people testing positive so far. The numbers are expected to rise as genome sequencing goes on in full swing in 10 laboratories across the country and international travellers flying in over a 14-day period in December are traced and tested.
Boris Johnson would have been the second British Prime Minister to attend the Republic Day parade as the Chief Guest after his predecessor John Major in 1993.
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