Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed for a four-day diplomatic tour spanning the United Kingdom and Maldives, with a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) and regional development high on the agenda.
During his two-day UK leg, PM Modi is expected to formally ink the long-awaited FTA with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a deal hailed as Britain’s biggest post-Brexit trade achievement. The pact is set to eliminate tariffs on nearly 99% of India’s exports while easing the UK’s access to Indian markets for products like whisky and automobiles.
In addition to trade, discussions will cover defence cooperation and high-tech partnerships, with both sides exploring joint ventures in electric propulsion systems and academic exchanges. Modi will also meet King Charles III and be hosted at Chequers, the official country residence of the UK Prime Minister.
Security has been tightened in London ahead of the visit, with authorities aiming to prevent disruption from pro-Khalistan groups, following a previous breach involving External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s convoy.
From London, the Prime Minister will fly to the Maldives to join its Independence Day celebrations as a guest of honour. He will hold extensive talks with President Mohamed Muizzu and inaugurate India-assisted development initiatives as part of the MAHASAGAR vision.
The visit is seen as a key move to mend strained ties with the Maldives after Muizzu’s perceived tilt towards China. This marks the first state visit hosted by President Muizzu since taking office in November 2023.
