New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a four‑day state visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives, embarking from India on Wednesday, 23 July, marking a significant phase in India’s international outreach.
The visit to the UK spans 23–24 July, at the invitation of British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and includes a formal audience with His Majesty King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. During this leg, Modi is expected to engage in extensive discussions with Starmer on strengthening India‑UK cooperation in trade, defence, technology, climate, health and education. Measures to enhance people‑to‑people ties and innovation are also on the agenda.
A central highlight of the London visit is the planned signing of the India‑UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Finalised in May after lengthy negotiations, the deal is set to halve tariffs on British whisky and substantially reduce the cost of cars under a quota arrangement. For India, the pact offers zero‑duty access on nearly 99 per cent of its exports, covering sectors such as textiles and electric vehicles . Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasised that the agreement is in its final legal stage, stating that the last‑minute work is in progress ahead of the ceremony.
Following the UK itinerary, Modi will travel to the Maldives from 25–26 July, as part of an official State Visit, at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. The visit coincides with Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations, where Modi will attend as Guest of Honour, symbolising India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the MAHASAGAR vision for maritime collaboration.
During his time in the Maldives, Modi will inaugurate several India‑funded infrastructure and capacity‑building projects. Ahead of his visit, India prepared a line of credit to bolster projects that support resilience and development in the island nation, highlighting the depth of bilateral engagement. High‑level meetings with President Muizzu will cover regional issues, economic cooperation, maritime security and steps to reset relations following strains in recent years.
The Ministry of External Affairs, in a pre‑departure briefing, noted that both the UK and Maldives hold “special importance” in India’s diplomatic strategy. The UK visit is intended to deepen a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, while the Maldives marks a strategic reset after a phase of cooler ties.
Analysts have highlighted the broader significance of this visit. With global trade patterns shifting post‑Brexit and the Indian Ocean’s growing strategic importance, outcomes from this tour could reinforce India’s role on the world stage. The UK agreement could boost bilateral trade, while Maldives‑based cooperation could anchor India’s presence in its maritime neighbourhood.
Prime Minister Modi’s itinerary includes not only high‑level diplomatic engagements but also meetings with business leaders and programme visits that underline the twin pillars of economic diplomacy and strategic outreach.
This is Modi’s fourth visit to the UK since taking office in 2014, reflecting the growing warmth between the two countries. It is his third official visit to the Maldives, the first since the inauguration of President Muizzu in November 2023.
