PM Modi Set to Visit UK and Maldives; Major Free Trade Deal with Britain Likely to Be Announced

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to 26. PM Modi will first arrive in the UK on July 23, where he will attend several bilateral events in London. On 24 July, PM Modi will meet UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

According to sources, during this visit, India and the UK may announce a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The FTA is considered highly significant for both countries, especially in light of U.S. President Trump’s new tariff policy.

Discussion on Bilateral Relations With PM Keir Starmer

This will mark PM Modi’s fourth visit to the UK. During the trip, he and Prime Minister Starmer will have wide-ranging discussions on the full scope of India-UK relations. They will also share views on important regional and global matters of common interest.

Possible Meeting Between PM Modi and King Charles III

During the visit, a meeting is also expected between PM Modi and the UK’s King Charles III. Both countries will assess the progress made under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), with special focus on trade, economy, technology, innovation, defence, security, climate change, health, education, and cultural and people-to-people connections.

PM to Visit Maldives

During the second part of his trip, PM Modi will visit the Maldives from July 25 to 26 on the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. This will be his third visit to the Maldives and the first since President Muizzu took office.

PM Modi to Attend Maldives’ 60th Independence Day 

PM Modi will be the chief guest at the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebration on July 26. During the visit, he will also meet President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to discuss mutual areas of interest. Both leaders will look at how much progress has been made on the India-Maldives joint plan for strong economic and sea security ties, which was agreed upon during the Maldivian president's visit to India in October 2024.

The trip shows that India is giving special attention to its nearby island neighbour, the Maldives, as part of its “Neighbourhood First” policy and SAGAR plan for regional safety and growth. The trip will offer both nations an opportunity to further deepen and strengthen their close bilateral ties.