Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 19 spoke with Britain’s King Charles III, holding discussions on a number of subjects of mutual interest, besides exchanging greetings on the upcoming festive occasions of Christmas and the New Year.
“It was a pleasure to speak with HM King Charles III today. Reaffirmed commitment to bolster India-UK ties. Exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including the Commonwealth, climate action and sustainability. Wished him good health and wellbeing,” PM Modi posted on X after the phone call.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) disclosed that the British monarch and PM Modi recalled the historic relations between the two countries and reaffirmed commitment to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the United Kingdom.
PMO statement
“They exchanged views on the Commonwealth of Nations and the recently concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. Discussions were also held on a number of subjects of mutual interest, including Climate Action and sustainability. Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for His Majesty’s sustained advocacy and initiatives on these issues and briefed him on the multiple initiatives undertaken by India… Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to the King for his good health and wellbeing,” read a statement issued by the Indian PMO. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi had conveyed his and people of India’s wishes for the speedy recovery and good health to King Charles.
In reply to a post on X by the Royal Family communicating the news of the King suffering a form of cancer, the Prime Minister on February 6 posted: “I join the people of India in wishing speedy recovery and good health to His Majesty King Charles III.”
Earlier conversation
The two dignitaries had also discussed the Covid-19 pandemic during their phone conversation in April 2020. Prime Minister Modi had then conveyed his condolences for the loss of life in the UK from Covid and had expressed satisfaction that Prince Charles – he had not ascended the throne then – had recovered from his own recent indisposition.
