Boris Johnson has said it is “vital that friends stick together” ahead of his trip to India this week.

       The Prime Minister will travel to India as he seeks to strengthen defence ties with the country, while leading international efforts to reduce reliance on Russia.

       Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, has faced criticism after he refused to denounce Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, and spoke to him several times in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.

       India has also abstained from multiple UN Security Council votes on the conflict and is yet to strongly criticise the Kremlin or impose economic sanctions.

       Britain and India agreed an enhanced trade partnership last year. A third round of talks aimed at reaching a comprehensive free trade agreement are due to take place this month.

       It has increased its oil and coal imports from Russia in the wake of discounted prices.

       Ahead of the visit, which was initially scheduled for January 2021 but delayed because of the pandemic, Mr Johnson said: “As we face threats to our peace and prosperity from autocratic states, it is vital that democracies and friends stick together.

       “India, as a major economic power and the world’s largest democracy, is a highly valued strategic partner for the UK in these uncertain times.

       “My visit to India will deliver on the things that really matter to the people of both our nations – from job creation and economic growth, to energy security and defence.”

       Mr Johnson has previously said that Britain and India are aiming to double the value of their trade relationship, which is currently worth ￡23 billion a year and supports 500,000 jobs, by 2030.

       Mr Johnson will meet with business leaders in Gujarat, India’s fifth-largest state, on Thursday, before in-depth talks with Mr Modi in New Delhi the following day.

       Government sources said that while talks will mainly focus on trade and job creation, security issues and the situation in Ukraine will also be discussed.

       However, a Downing Street spokesman declined to comment on whether the Prime Minister will challenge Mr Modi over his stance on Putin.

       Liz Truss, the Foreign Secretary, insisted during her own visit last month that the Government must “respect other countries’ decisions about the issues that they face” and declined to “tell India what to do” regarding oil and gas.

       Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, her Indian counterpart, defended his country’s trade with Russia and said: “When the oil prices go up, I think it is natural for the countries to go out into the market and look for what are good deals for their people.”