New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a landmark two-day visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday, aimed at deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UK. He will hold wide-ranging talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on key areas such as trade, defence, innovation, climate, and education.
This marks Modi’s fourth UK visit since taking office. The two leaders, who have met twice in the past year, will review India-UK ties across various sectors and discuss regional and global issues. Modi will also call on King Charles III and engage with top business leaders and the Indian community in the UK.
India-UK trade touched $55 billion in 2023–24, and the UK is the sixth-largest investor in India. Interestingly, India has invested $20 billion in the UK, with nearly 1,000 Indian companies employing about 100,000 people there.
The visit will also focus on joint defence projects, including an electric propulsion system for ships. Both countries continue to hold regular military exchanges, and instructors are posted at each other's academies.
In the health sector, India’s Serum Institute and Oxford University are co-developing a malaria vaccine, while UK universities like Southampton are opening campuses in India under the new education policy.
The strong Indian diaspora of 1.8 million plays a vital role in building India-UK relations. The visit will also highlight climate cooperation, with the UK supporting India’s Solar Alliance and disaster resilience efforts.
Modi’s visit is expected to further strengthen a growing partnership based on mutual respect, shared goals, and people-to-people connections.
