In *Unleashed*, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson offers a detailed account of his tenure in office, with a particular emphasis on his efforts to strengthen ties between the UK and India. Johnson dedicates a significant portion of the book to his relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he describes as a visionary leader with the capacity to reshape India's global standing. Johnson views Modi as a "change-maker" and credits their partnership for setting the course toward a comprehensive free-trade agreement, one that he believes will bring long-term benefits to both nations.
Reflecting on their first meeting, Johnson recalls a memorable moment when Modi raised his arm in front of a cheering crowd, chanting in Hindi—a language Johnson didn’t understand, but the energy of the moment resonated with him. He describes this encounter as the beginning of a unique partnership, noting that he felt an instant connection with Modi. He goes on to explain that, in his view, Modi embodied the leadership qualities necessary to take the UK-India relationship to new heights. This meeting marked the start of what Johnson refers to as a pivotal shift in how the two nations approached each other, moving from a traditional diplomatic relationship to one built on friendship, mutual respect, and equal partnership.
Johnson's admiration for Modi extends beyond their personal rapport. In *Unleashed*, he discusses how he defied the advice of a "distinctly sniffy" UK Foreign Office, which had cautioned him against engaging too closely with Modi during a trade delegation to India in 2012. At the time, Modi was perceived as a controversial figure due to his association with Hindu nationalism. However, Johnson chose to ignore this advice, believing that Modi's leadership could bring about positive change, not just for India but for the broader India-UK relationship. He commends Modi for his pragmatic approach to governance and his ability to navigate complex geopolitical issues, such as India’s balancing act between its long-standing ties with Russia and its growing engagement with the West.
Johnson also reflects on his 2022 visit to India, which he describes as a "tremendous success" and a welcome distraction from the domestic political turbulence he was facing in the UK. He fondly recalls the warmth with which he was received in India and views the visit as a turning point in his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties. According to Johnson, the trip served as a "balm for the soul" and reinforced his belief that the UK and India were on the cusp of a new era of cooperation.
A key theme in Johnson's memoir is his belief that the UK-India relationship should extend beyond trade and climate change. He advocates for deeper collaboration in areas such as education, technology, and defense. In particular, Johnson takes pride in his role in fostering military and technological cooperation between the two nations. He notes that despite initial resistance from the UK Ministry of Defence—due to concerns about India's close ties with Russia—he successfully laid the groundwork for a wide-ranging partnership in defense technology. This included agreements to collaborate on the development of submarines, helicopters, and other advanced military systems. Johnson views this as a critical achievement, one that will ensure the UK and India remain close allies in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
Johnson also uses *Unleashed* to reflect on the broader geopolitical landscape and how it intersects with India’s foreign policy. He discusses India's historical non-alignment and its strategic partnership with Russia, particularly in terms of military hardware and energy resources. While Johnson acknowledges the complexities of India’s relationship with Russia, he subtly urges Modi to consider a "modulation" in India’s foreign policy stance, particularly in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. He humorously likens Russian missile accuracy to his own tennis serve, suggesting that India may need to reconsider its reliance on Russian military equipment.
Throughout the memoir, Johnson portrays himself as a key architect of the modern UK-India relationship. He takes credit for initiating the steps that have brought the two nations closer together and outlines his vision for a long-term partnership that goes beyond short-term trade deals. He sees Modi as an essential partner in this endeavor, someone who shares his ambition for a stronger, more dynamic relationship between the UK and India.
In addition to the strategic and economic aspects of the UK-India partnership, Johnson touches on the cultural and historical ties that bind the two nations. He reflects on the enduring legacy of the British Empire in India and how both nations have moved beyond their colonial past to forge a relationship based on mutual respect and shared values. Johnson is optimistic about the future of UK-India relations, believing that the groundwork he laid during his time as Prime Minister will continue to bear fruit in the years to come.
In *Unleashed*, Johnson’s portrayal of his relationship with Modi is one of mutual admiration and respect. He credits Modi with being the driving force behind India’s rise on the global stage and sees their partnership as central to the future of UK-India relations. As Johnson reflects on his time in office, he expresses confidence that the strong personal rapport he built with Modi will continue to shape the trajectory of the UK-India partnership for years to come.
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