PM Modi Heads to UK, Maldives to Boost Global, Regional Ties

• PM Modi departed for a two-nation visit to the UK and Maldives (July 23-26).
• In the UK, he will meet PM Keir Starmer and King Charles III, focusing on enhancing economic partnership.
• The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to be formally signed during the UK leg of the visit.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 23rd July: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a significant two-nation visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives, from July 23 to 26, aiming to enhance India’s economic, strategic, and regional partnerships.

In a departure statement, the Prime Minister highlighted the strong bonds with both nations.

Visit to the United Kingdom:
From July 23 to 24, Prime Minister Modi will be in the UK at the invitation of British Prime Minister Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer. This marks his fourth visit to the UK and the first since 2018. India and the UK share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that has seen significant progress across various sectors including trade, investment, technology, innovation, defence, education, research, sustainability, health, and people-to-people ties.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Starmer, discussions will focus on further enhancing the economic partnership, with the goal of fostering prosperity, growth, and job creation in both countries. A major highlight of this visit is the expected formal signing of the long-pending India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This landmark agreement, which received Cabinet approval on Tuesday, is set to eliminate or reduce tariffs on a vast array of goods, aiming to significantly boost bilateral trade. PM Modi is also scheduled to call on His Majesty King Charles III.

Visit to the Maldives:
Following his UK engagements, Prime Minister Modi will travel to the Maldives from July 25 to 26, at the invitation of President H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The visit holds particular significance as PM Modi will join the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the Independence of Maldives. This year also commemorates the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives, underlining a long-standing bond.

The visit comes amidst efforts to rebuild ties following a period of diplomatic strain. PM Modi expressed his anticipation for meetings with President Muizzu and other political leadership to advance the joint vision of a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. The discussions will also aim to strengthen cooperation for peace, prosperity, and stability in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region.

Prime Minister Modi conveyed his confidence that the multi-nation visit will yield tangible outcomes, benefiting the people of India and furthering the nation’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and Vision MAHASAGAR, reaffirming India’s strategic focus on its maritime neighbours.