Boris Johnson inaugurates new JCB unit in Gujarat; waves from bulldozer's driving seat

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, on April 21, visited JCB plant in Halol of Gujarat's Panchmahal district to inaugurate new unit of JCB along with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel. While at plant, Johnson also interacted with workers at plant before climbing up a 4X4 bulldozer and waving at public. plant marks sixth functioning unit of JCB in India and has been constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 650 crores. JCB is a British company which manufactures bulldozers along with or construction equipment. 

Visiting JCB plant was one of tasks of Johnson's itinerary on April 21. British PM is on a two-day visit to India, first of which he would spend in Gujarat and he to Indian capital New Delhi on April 22 to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Earlier today, Johnson also met with Indian business magnate and Chairman of ani Group Gautam ani in Ahmedab. Taking to Twitter, ani shared his experience on meeting Johnson during latter's maiden visit to Gujarat.

"Honoured to host @BorisJohnson, first UK PM to visit Gujarat, at ani HQ. Delighted to support climate & sustainability agenda with focus on renewables, green H2 & new energy. Will also work with UK companies to co-create defence & aerospace technologies", ani tweeted.

What's on PM Johnson's agenda?

UK PM will look to focus on strengning ties with India especially on security aspect in Indo-pacific region and finalises a free-tre deal with New Delhi. This would be India's second biggest deal after it signed a historic free-tre agreement with Australia earlier this month to take bilateral tre between countries from current $27 billion to $45 billion in next five years. UK says that tre deal would push Britain's total tre by up to £28 billion ($36.5 billion) annually by 2035.

Moreover, two leers will also review implementation of  Romap 2030 and set ir vision for furr intensifying cooperation across full spectrum of bilateral ties. As for ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis, Johnson has clarified that he will not 'lecture' PM Modi for India's neutral stance.

After his touchdown in Gujarat earlier today, Johnson h tweeted, "It’s fantastic to be in India, world’s largest democracy. I see vast possibilities for what our great nations can achieve toger. Our powerhouse partnership is delivering jobs, growth and opportunity. I look forward to strengning this partnership in coming days".