Boris Johnson recalls Queen Elizabeth's remark on India's enduring Russia ties

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson recalled a conversation with Queen Elizabeth II about India's long standing relationship with Russia, seeking to underscore the time-tested ties between New Delhi and Moscow.

"I was once saying to her late majesty the Queen of England how difficult it was to persuade our Indian friends to firmly come down against Russia," said Johnson, speaking at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum. "And this was actually very shortly before she died. She said, quick as a flash, 'Oh yes, I remember, in 1952, when I was talking to Prime Minister Nehru, he (Nehru) said, Your Majesty, India will always basically be on the side of Russia.' Some things never change. They just are," said Johnson, recalling his conversation with the Queen. "I don't know whether you agree with that analysis, but I was very struck by that. And, you know, I think we have to go with the historical reality."

Also Read: Trump urges court to reject BBC records bid


Johnson spoke at length about the protracted Russia-Ukraine war, the Strait of Hormuz crisis, India-UK ties and UK domestic politics among other issues.

Referring to the US-Iran war, he said Britain could have played a stronger role in preventing the Americans from walking into what he described as an "obvious, obvious trap."

India-US-UK Coordination

British intelligence should have warned the US government about the risks of the conflict and potential closure of the Hormuz Strait.

Johnson said the UK should have questioned US President Donald Trump, his planners and the Pentagon about the objectives of the war before the conflict escalated.

Also Read: Canada to slap tariffs against US on Sept 8

The former British PM made a direct pitch for closer coordination among India, the US and the UK, saying the three countries should work together to find a way out of the crisis.

"I think India is going through a very good period under very strong and stable leadership, and that's a good thing," he said. He described the US as the world's hegemonic power and said he would prefer Washington to retain that role over China. Johnson credited India with playing a key role in Britain's Covid-19 vaccination drive, saying he personally received the Indian version of the AstraZeneca vaccine during the pandemic.

The PM, who led Britain out of the EU, also said the country's trade with India had benefited from Brexit.

Johnson, known as much for his wit as his unruly hair, also expounded on the role of humour-as a defence and a way of engaging with people.

Peppered with numerous asides that had the audience breaking into laughter during his appearance, Johnson also displayed another aspect of his talents-that of being able to recite vast tracts of Latin poetry from memory, regaling the crowd with renditions from The Aeneid and Homer's The Iliad.

He also said he doesn't follow football much but that George Best was one of his childhood heroes.