Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the United Kingdom from July 23 to 24, with the goal of further strengthening the India-UK bilateral partnership.
A major highlight of the visit will be the signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which has been in negotiation for over three years. The deal is expected to eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports to the UK and significantly reduce tariffs on 90% of British products, including key goods like whisky and cars.
The FTA is projected to double bilateral trade by 2030, building on the current $60 billion annual trade volume. It marks a new chapter in India-UK economic cooperation, fostering greater market access and commercial flow between the two countries.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PM Modi will hold comprehensive talks with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, covering the full range of bilateral ties, along with regional and global developments.
India and the UK, historically linked, now share a multi-faceted, mutually beneficial partnership, which was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021. High-level engagements between New Delhi and London have been frequent and productive. PM Modi and PM Starmer met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil (November 2024) and the G7 Summit (June 2025), and have remained in regular contact through telephonic exchanges.
The partnership is institutionalised through five ministerial-level mechanisms, covering strategic affairs, economy and finance, trade, energy, and science & technology.
Other key engagements include the 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue, Foreign Office Consultations, and the Defence Consultation Group. Notably, bilateral trade reached a record $55 billion in 2024, up by 10% from the previous year.
The FTA, officially announced on May 6, 2025, is being viewed as a milestone moment in economic diplomacy between the two nations.
PM Modi and PM Starmer will discuss strengthening collaboration in sectors such as trade, defense, climate action, technology, innovation, and education. The two leaders are expected to explore joint initiatives in critical technologies, including semiconductors and artificial intelligence. PM Modi is also scheduled to meet King Charles III during the visit.
India is likely to raise its concerns over the activities of Khalistani extremists in the UK—an issue flagged repeatedly in diplomatic talks. The UK government has assured India of appropriate action.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that India continues to engage with its UK counterparts on this concern, stressing that such extremist elements also threaten social harmony within the UK itself.
“We have brought the issue to the attention of our partners in the UK and will continue to do so. This is not just a concern for India, but also for the UK as it impacts social cohesion,” Misri said.
On the matter of fugitives wanted in India but residing in the UK, Misri confirmed that the Indian side is actively following up. “There is a legal process involved in such cases, and we are working very closely with the UK authorities,” he added.
The two countries will also assess the progress of cooperation in climate action, healthcare, education, and people-to-people exchanges. The Indian diaspora, forming about 2.7% of the UK population, plays a critical role in bridging the two nations through their economic contributions, cultural connections, and support in strengthening bilateral relations.
Following his UK visit, PM Modi will travel to the Maldives from July 25 to 26, where he will attend the 60th Independence Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour.
During his visit, PM Modi will meet Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu to review and strengthen the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. The visit is seen as a step toward resetting and revitalising ties, which had witnessed some strain in recent times.(Agencies)
