- Diplomacy & Iran: Johnson stressed that India, the US, and UK should work together to end the conflict in Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that change in Iran must come from within, not via air strikes.
- Russia-Ukraine War: He claimed Putin is fated to lose, urged support for Ukraine with Tomahawks and frozen assets, and highlighted the need for India to pressure Russia to end the war.
- India Relations: Johnson praised India and PM Modi, called for deeper India-UK-US military cooperation, and highlighted the India-UK FTA as a positive step for future collaboration.
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday that India, Britain and the United States should coordinate with each other to end the ongoing conflict in Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He went on to describe the US war on Iran as a "mistake" and also urged New Delhi to pressure Russia to end the war in Ukraine.
The remarks from the Ex-British premier came while he was speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum on Saturday. Johnson claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is fated to lose the war with Ukraine and insisted that it was "totally deranged" to believe that regime change in Iran could be achieved through air strikes.
"Iran must be prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons and sponsoring terrorism, but change in the country had to come from within. We've got to find a deal with Iran," he said at the forum. Johnson insisted that countries must work together to lower oil prices and get the ships moving from the region.
Johnson went on to fault the US for not consulting the UK or any other American ally before unleashing a war against Iran. He said that Washington walked into an "obvious trap". Despite this, he said that he would prefer the US as a hegemon over China and insisted that allies must help it "back out" of the cul-de-sac.
Johnson emphasises the importance of Modi
Johnson recalled that during his time, Trump was more consultative and liked advice from friends, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his session at the forum, Johnson also gave his take on the ongoing situation in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Turning to Ukraine, Johnson told his Indian audience not to believe "propaganda" that Putin was in a position to win; he was "fated to lose" against Ukrainians' desire for freedom. He backed providing Ukraine with Tomahawks and transferring $140 billion of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. "Only Putin, not Trump or Zelenskyy, could end the war," he said. He acknowledged India's "particular position" and historical closeness to Russia and said the conflict would not end without greater pressure on Moscow.
He concluded his argument by calling for deeper India-UK and India-US military cooperation, saying it would be "much more sensible". Johnson was effusive about India and Modi. "The Indian story today is a really wonderful story," he said, predicting an "incredible future" for India because it is a democracy and a free country. He also hailed the India-UK FTA, negotiations for which began when he was PM.