Sun Oct 13 10:15:34 UTC 2024: ## Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson Praises Modi in New Memoir
**London, UK** – In his new memoir, “Unleashed,” former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has heaped praise on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “change-maker” and describing a “curious astral energy” he felt during their first meeting.
Johnson, who served as Prime Minister from 2019 to 2022, dedicated a chapter to the UK-India relationship, highlighting its current “all-time high” and crediting himself for setting the stage for a “proper free-trade deal.” He also emphasized the importance of the bilateral partnership in the context of the Indo-Pacific region.
Recalling his first meeting with Modi during a visit to his London office in 2012, Johnson described an unusual scene: “For some reason, we went down to stand in the dark in the plaza by Tower Bridge, in front of a crowd of his supporters. He raised my arm and chanted something or other in Hindi… I felt his curious astral energy.” He went on to say that he has “enjoyed his company ever since.”
Johnson also revealed that the UK Foreign Office initially cautioned against meeting Modi, labeling him a “Hindu nationalist” leader. However, these concerns were quickly dismissed, paving the way for a strong relationship between the two leaders.
Johnson’s personal connection to India is further solidified by his children, who have Sikh heritage through his ex-wife Marina Wheeler, and his fondness for Indian weddings.
The former Prime Minister’s memoir shines a spotlight on his admiration for Modi and emphasizes the growing strategic importance of the UK-India partnership, setting the stage for a future of strengthened ties.
First Piper 