PM Modi dials new UK PM Boris Johnson, raises issue of recent violence against Indians in London

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with newly elected British PM Boris Johnson and raised concern over the violence by a large mob against the Indian High Commission in London on the Independence Day. Johnson, however, regretted the incident and assured that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure safety and security of the High Commission, its personnel and visitors, the PMO said in a statement.

According to the statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, Modi drew Johnson's attention to the challenges posed by vested interests pursuing their motivated agenda, including by violent means.

"In this context he referred to the violence and vandalism perpetrated by a large mob against the High Commission of India in London on the last Independence Day of India," the statement read.

The prime minister also congratulated Johnson on his election to the high office and expressed his readiness to work with him for strengthening the strategic partnership between India and the United Kingdom.

“Both leaders agreed that as the world’s pre-eminent democracies, the two countries have much to contribute together to effectively addressing the many challenges faced by the world today,” it added.

Modi also pointed out that terrorism had plagued all parts of the world, including India and Europe.

“He stressed the importance of effective steps to ward off the threats posed by radicalisation, violence and intolerance, particularly in the context of the expanding footprint of terrorist organisations such as ISIS,” the statement said.

The two leaders looked forward to interacting during the G-7 Summit in Biarritz, France.