NEW DELHI, July 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a four-day official visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives starting Wednesday, with key priorities including enhancing diplomatic ties and finalizing the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Modi will first visit the UK from July 23 to 24, where he will hold extensive discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The trip is expected to culminate in the signing of the long-awaited FTA between the two nations.
The trade agreement, concluded in May after three years of negotiations, is expected to significantly benefit Indian exports—removing tariffs on nearly 99% of them—while easing market access for British goods like whisky and automobiles. UK officials noted that Indian tariffs on 90% of product categories will be reduced, with 85% of those becoming entirely duty-free within 10 years.
During the UK leg, Modi is also expected to meet King Charles III and discuss the broader India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on trade, innovation, security, climate, health, education, and cultural exchanges.
Following his UK visit, the Prime Minister will travel to the Maldives on July 25–26 to participate as the chief guest in the island nation’s Independence Day celebrations. This visit marks Modi’s first interaction with President Mohamed Muizzu, who took office in November 2023 amid a pivot in Maldivian foreign policy toward China.
Modi and Muizzu will review the ongoing projects under the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, agreed upon during Muizzu’s India visit in October last year. This visit is considered a crucial step in repairing and reinforcing ties between the two nations.
The MEA emphasized that the Maldives remains a key partner under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, aimed at fostering regional maritime cooperation and security.
This will be Modi’s fourth visit to the UK and third to the Maldives, underscoring the strategic importance both countries hold in India’s foreign policy agenda.
