Boris Johnson recalled Nehru telling Queen Elizabeth in 1952 that India would remain on Russia’s side.
Johnson said the historical continuity of India-Russia ties reflected a reality that “never changes”.
He also highlighted Britain’s continued support for Ukraine amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Ex-United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has recalled an anecdote involving India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the late Queen Elizabeth II, saying Nehru had told her in 1952 that India would “always basically be on the side of Russia”.
Speaking at The Economic Times ‘World Leaders Forum’ on Saturday, Johnson discussed the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Strait of Hormuz situation, UK-India relations and British domestic politics. He also highlighted the enduring nature of India-Russia relations.
Johnson said Queen Elizabeth II had told him that Nehru made the remark to her in 1952. “Your Majesty, India will always basically be on the side of Russia,” Nehru said, according to Johnson. Reflecting on the continuity of India’s diplomatic position, Johnson added, “Somethings never change. They just are.”
“I don't know whether you agree with that analysis, but I was very struck by that,” he noted. Johnson’s remarks came while discussing the long-standing relationship between India and Russia, as he addressed the summit.
The former British prime minister also spoke on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, besides touching upon UK-India relations and developments in British domestic politics.
Historical Reality
Johnson conversed with Queen Elizabeth II shortly before her death in 2022. Her reign commenced on February 6, 1952, the same year she met Nehru. The former Prime Minister recalled expressing his geopolitical frustrations to the monarch, detailing "how difficult it was to persuade our Indian friends to firmly come down against Russia".
The Queen's recollection of Nehru's 1952 declaration provided crucial context for modern diplomacy. Johnson said he was very struck by that analysis. "I think we have to go with the historical reality," Johnson said.
British Support For Kyiv
Current UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will travel to Ukraine on Monday for his first overseas trip. He will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and co-chair the 'Coalition of the Willing' meeting, Reuters reported. During the visit, he will announce British support to help Kyiv improve its domestic production of long-range missiles.
Burnham will announce that Britain has authorised European missile manufacturer MBDA to release classified information on British-made components used in the SCALP long-range cruise missile, Downing Street stated.
This will help enable France and Ukraine to establish local assembly lines for the missile, which shares British and French technology. The UK has been among Kyiv's most steadfast allies following the 2022 full-scale Russian invasion, which Moscow initially termed a "special military operation".
"Ukraine's security is our security," Burnham said, adding that Britain would stand by the country "for as long as it takes".
