NEW DELHI, India (Diya TV ) — Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has recalled a striking conversation with the late Queen Elizabeth II about India’s long-standing ties with Russia.
Speaking at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum, Johnson said he once discussed India’s position on Russia with Queen Elizabeth II. He recalled telling her that Britain faced difficulty persuading India to take a stronger stance against Moscow.
Johnson said the conversation helped him understand why India has maintained close relations with Moscow despite pressure from Western governments over Russia’s war in Ukraine.
According to Johnson, the queen then recalled her meeting with India’s first Prime Minister Nehru in 1952. She said Nehru had told her that India would remain broadly on Russia’s side.
Johnson said the queen’s memory struck him. He added that countries must recognize historical realities when dealing with international relations.
The former British leader said he had the conversation with Elizabeth shortly before she died in 2022. She served as Britain’s queen from Feb. 6, 1952, until her death in September 2022.
India and Russia have maintained close diplomatic ties for decades. Their relationship grew stronger during the Cold War, when India followed a nonaligned foreign policy but developed close links with the Soviet Union.
Russia also remains a major supplier of military equipment to India.
India has not joined Western efforts to isolate Russia over the Ukraine war. Instead, New Delhi has called for dialogue and diplomacy while maintaining economic and defense ties with Moscow.
Johnson also spoke about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war at the forum. Britain has strongly supported Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. The government has provided military assistance, financial support and diplomatic backing to Kyiv.
According to the British government, Britain has agreed to let European missile maker MBDA share classified information about British-made components used in the SCALP cruise missile.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is scheduled to visit Ukraine on Monday for his first overseas trip since taking office.
