Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a four-day visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives from Wednesday to strengthen overall bilateral relations and finalise the landmark India–UK free trade agreement, which is expected to lay the groundwork for doubling mutual trade by 2030 from the present level of USD 60 billion.
Modi will be travelling to the UK first on a two-day trip. His visit to the Maldives is primarily to be present in the island on its Independence Day celebrations as "guest of honour", according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
In the first leg of his trip, Modi will be visiting the UK from July 23 to 24. The prime minister's visit to the Maldives is from July 25 to 26, and is crucial since it is a break from the strained bilateral ties after Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, became president in November 2023.
In what will be his fourth visit to the UK, the PM will be holding wide-ranging talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the MEA said on Sunday. The two countries are expected to sign the free trade deal during PM Modi's visit to London, PTI reported. The British side has completed the administrative process for formalising the pact.
India and the United Kingdom formed the free trade agreement (FTA) in May, and is expected to benefit 99 per cent Indian exports from tariff and will make it easier for British firms to export whisky, cars and other products to India. The FTA is the biggest the UK has done since leaving the European Union.
India and the UK also decided upon a double contribution convention. The agreement grants Indian employers an exemption from paying social security contributions in the UK.
Finalised after three years of negotiations, the trade pact is expected to open up broad market access for Indian goods across all sectors. Officials say India stands to benefit from the removal of tariffs on nearly 99 percent of tariff lines, accounting for almost the entire trade value, PTI reported. A UK statement noted that Indian duties will be significantly reduced, with cuts locked in for 90 percent of tariff lines — 85 percent of which will be completely tariff-free within ten years. The FTA is projected to double bilateral trade by 2030 from its current USD 60 billion mark.
Modi is set to engage in comprehensive talks with his British counterpart, covering all aspects of India–UK bilateral ties, while also sharing perspectives on key regional and global developments, the Ministry of External Affairs said while announcing the two-nation visit.
"During the visit, the two sides will also review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with a specific focus on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people-to-people ties," the MEA said in a statement.
From London, Modi will be travelling to the Maldives for the island’s Independence on July 26.
It will be an Indian head of state or government’s first visit since Muizzu became President in November 2023.
Modi and Muizzu will hold discussions on issues of mutual interest and take stock of the progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives joint vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership'. The joint vision was adopted during Muizzu's visit to India in October 2024, PTI reported..
"The visit reflects the importance India attaches to its maritime neighbour, Maldives, which continues to hold a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions)," the MEA said.
It further stated that the visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to further deepen and strengthen the close bilateral relationship.
