Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-nation tour to the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to 26, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Sunday.
PM Modi’s UK visit, his fourth as Prime Minister, comes at the invitation of newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The two leaders will hold wide-ranging discussions covering the full spectrum of India-UK bilateral relations, with special focus on trade, technology, defence, climate, education, health, and people-to-people ties. They are also expected to exchange views on pressing regional and global issues. PM Modi is also likely to call on King Charles III during his stay.
The visit will include a review of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and assess progress on the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) currently under negotiation.
In the second leg of the tour, PM Modi will pay a state visit to the Maldives from July 25 to 26 at the invitation of Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. This will mark PM Modi’s third visit to the Maldives and the first by any foreign Head of State or Government during Muizzu’s presidency.
Highlighting the significance of the trip, PM Modi will be the Guest of Honour at the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives on July 26.
During the visit, the two leaders will discuss ways to deepen cooperation and review progress on the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, agreed upon during President Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2024.
The MEA emphasized that the visit reaffirms India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, reinforcing the Maldives’ special place in India’s regional diplomacy and maritime strategy.
The visit is expected to bolster India’s strategic footprint, enhance regional security cooperation, and further consolidate India’s relations with both key global and neighbourhood partners.