MEA Clears Air Over UK PM Boris Johnson's Republic Day Invitation Amid Fears Of New Covid Strain

Recently, there had been reports that cast doubts over the UK PM Boris Johnson's visit as to whether the trip will have to cancelled in the light of the new Coronavirus strain that has spread in the UK. Read on.

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson. PIC/AFP

New Delhi: Clearing recent reports and speculation, the Ministry of External Affairs has stated that it is looking forward to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's visit next month for the Republic Day Parade 2021.  Recently, there had been reports that cast doubts over the UK PM Boris Johnson's visit as to whether the trip will have to cancelled in the light of new Coronavirus strain that has spread in the UK. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava at a media briefing spoke about the concern raised. "We had invited the prime minister of the UK as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade in 2021. When UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab was here, he had publicly confirmed his acceptance. So we look forward to welcoming the prime minister here," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said. Recently, the announcement of UK Prime Minister being invited as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade in 2021 came in after several unconfirmed reports talked about the same. "The UK Prime Minister has accepted the very generous invitation to attend India's Republic Day celebrations (as a chief guest) in January which is a great honour," Dominic Raab had said at a joint press conference with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar. Meanwhile, because of the new Covid-19 strain, India has temporarily suspended its Vande Bharat flights from the UK after a general flight ban was imposed for the country till December 31. Those who have flown from Britain at various airports in India are being tested for Covid infection. Those testing positive are being admitted to hospital to detect whether anyone has contracted the mutated virus. WATCH | Suspect of Corona's new strain admitted in LNJP