Modi to discuss trade, diaspora, security in UK, Maldives visits Eager to meet PM Starmer, King Charles: Modi

New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday, aiming to strengthen India-UK ties under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Leaving for the UK, where our partnership has grown significantly in recent years. I look forward to meeting PM Keir Starmer and His Majesty King Charles III, he posted on X.

The two-day visit (July 23–24) is expected to focus on signing the long-awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which has been under negotiation for three years. This deal could double the current $60 billion trade volume by 2030, ease tariffs on 99% of Indian exports, and reduce duties on British goods like whisky and cars.

PM Modi will hold wide-ranging talks with PM Starmer on trade, defence, technology, climate action, and the Indian diaspora. The issue of Khalistani extremists operating in the UK, a concern for India, is also likely to be raised. UK authorities have assured cooperation.

India and the UK enjoy strong people-to-people ties, with the 2.7% Indian-origin population in Britain playing a key role in business, culture, and education.

Following his UK visit, PM Modi will travel to the Maldives (July 25–26) to attend the 60th Independence Day celebrations. He will meet President Mohamed Muizzu to advance cooperation on economic and maritime security. Our visit will reinforce the Neighbourhood First policy and strengthen peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indian Ocean region, said Modi.