British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled his trip to India.

Boris Johnson was slated to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26 as the chief guest.

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British PM Boris Johnson cancelled his visit to India as the COVID-19 crisis in the United Kingdom is on the rise.

Cancellation of his trip to India came hours after a fresh lockdown was announced in the United Kingdom as cases relating to the new strain of coronavirus spiraled in the last couple of weeks.

Thousands of people in the UK have been affected by the new strain of coronavirus, which is believed to be 70 percent more transmissible and airborne compared to the COVID-19.

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Johnson’s trip to India would have been his first bilateral visit after Britain’s exit from the European Union.

“The Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi this morning, to express his regret that he will be unable to visit India later this month as planned,” statement from 10 Downing Street read.

The British Prime Minister decided to cancel his visit to India to oversee the COVID crisis in the Country, which spiraled following the rapid spread of the new coronavirus variant.

“In light of the speed at which the new coronavirus variant is spreading, the Prime Minister said that it was important for him to remain in the UK so he can focus on the domestic response to the virus,” the statement further read.

The British Government announced a fresh and complete lockdown in England, which is expected to continue till mid-February.

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