UK Prime Minister Liz Truss on Saturday spoke to PM Narendra Modi following Queen Elizabeth II's death and thanked him for condolences on behalf of 1.3 billion Indians.
A statement from 10, Downing Street, the UK PM's official residence in London, said the two leaders acknowledged the grief felt by the many people of the UK and India, and “paid tribute to Her Majesty The Queen's lifetime of service”.
Modi and Truss also spoke about the importance of the ties between the two nations and a possible in-person meeting in the near future.
A statement from the external affairs ministry said, “On behalf of the people of India, Prime Minister Modi conveyed deep condolences to the Royal family and the people of UK on the sad demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
Modi appreciated Truss’ contributions to the India-UK relationship in her previous roles as trade secretary and foreign secretary. “Both leaders committed to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and UK,” the statement said.
The two leaders discussed various issues of bilateral interest, including progress in the implementation of the Roadmap 2030, ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement, defence and security cooperation, and people-to-people ties between the two sides.
A Downing Street spokesperson said the two leaders agreed on the vital importance of the UK-India relationship and "looked forward to meeting in person in the near future”.
{{/usCountry}}A Downing Street spokesperson said the two leaders agreed on the vital importance of the UK-India relationship and "looked forward to meeting in person in the near future”.
{{/usCountry}}In his tribute to the late Queen, Modi said the British monarch was a stalwart who provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people.
She personified dignity and decency in public life, Modi said, recalling his "memorable" meetings with the Queen in 2015 and 2018.
"I will never forget her warmth and kindness. During one of the meetings she showed me the handkerchief Mahatma Gandhi gifted her on her wedding. I will always cherish that gesture," the prime minister said.
India will observe state mourning on Sunday as a mark of respect to the Queen, who passed away on Thursday.
A statement issued by the ministry of home affairs said that on the day of mourning, the National Flag will be flown at half mast throughout India on all buildings. There will be no official entertainment on the day.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and several other top political leaders had paid their tribute to the departed queenexpressed condolences at the death of Queen Elizabeth II.