'New era of UK-India relations' as countries sign deal on defense, trade and health
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India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with UK leader Boris Johnson via videolink. (Photo: AP)

The UK and India announced $1.39 billion of private-sector investment and committed to seeking a free trade deal as part of what British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called "the beginning of a new era" in the two countries' relationship.

The announcement came after Johnson held a virtual meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi – Johnson's planned trip to India was called off because of the COVID-19 situation.

The aim had been to forge closer ties as Britain seeks new trading partners after leaving the European Union.