British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday cancelled a deliberate journey to India, scheduled to happen subsequent week, because of the present coronavirus state of affairs in India, Johnson’s workplace stated.

Johnson had already postponed the journey as soon as from January, when COVID-19 infections have been excessive in Britain. Infections in India are at present surging because the nation endures a second wave of the virus.

“Within the mild of the present coronavirus state of affairs, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be unable to journey to India subsequent week,” a joint assertion from the British and Indian authorities, launched by Johnson’s workplace, stated.

“As a substitute, Prime Ministers Modi and Johnson will converse later this month to agree and launch their formidable plans for the long run partnership between the UK and India.”

Relations with India are seen as a key element of each Britain’s post-Brexit ambitions to reinvigorate commerce with international locations outdoors the European Union, and a diplomatic push to realize extra affect within the Indo-Pacific area.

Britain has invited India to attend the G7 summit it’s internet hosting in June.

British well being officers stated on Sunday they have been investigating a COVID-19 variant originating in India, however as but they didn’t have sufficient proof to categorise it’s as a variant of concern.