Narendra Modi's UK Visit: Live Updates & Key Discussions

PM Narendra Modi’s UK and Maldives Visit: A Strategic Diplomatic Push

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is embarking on a significant four-day diplomatic tour to the United Kingdom and the Maldives, beginning Wednesday. This visit comes at a crucial juncture for India’s global diplomacy, aimed at deepening trade ties with the West and rebuilding regional relations in the Indian Ocean.

Strengthening Ties with the United Kingdom

PM Modi’s visit to the UK will span two days and is set to make headlines with the expected signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This landmark deal is projected to double bilateral trade from the current $60 billion to $120 billion by 2030, significantly boosting economic cooperation between the two countries.

This is Modi's fourth visit to the United Kingdom, underlining the strong and evolving partnership between the two democracies. During his stay, he is scheduled to meet newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and the discussions are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Trade and investment

• Defense and security collaboration

• Green energy and climate action

• Education and technology partnerships

• Geopolitical and regional stability

Modi is also expected to call on King Charles III, adding a ceremonial aspect to the trip. The FTA, which has been in negotiation for several years, is seen as a turning point in India-UK relations, opening doors for smoother market access, tariff reductions, and greater business synergy.

Maldives Visit: Rebuilding Strategic Relations

Following his UK visit, Prime Minister Modi will travel to the Maldives from July 25 to 26. This part of the tour is considered highly strategic, especially after diplomatic tensions that arose following the election of President Mohamed Muizzu in 2023. Known for his pro-China stance, Muizzu’s government had signaled a shift in the Maldives' foreign policy, causing concern in New Delhi.

Modi’s visit is widely seen as an effort to reset and stabilize bilateral relations. India is likely to push for renewed cooperation in areas such as:

• Maritime and regional security

• Climate change and disaster resilience

• Tourism and people-to-people connections

• Infrastructure and development assistance

India has historically been a key ally of the Maldives, especially during times of crisis, and this visit reinforces the country’s Neighbourhood First policy while seeking to counterbalance China’s growing presence in the region.

A Calculated Diplomatic Outreach

This dual-nation visit reflects India's broader foreign policy strategy of balancing economic engagement with global powers and maintaining strategic influence in its immediate neighborhood. While the UK visit focuses on economic diplomacy, the Maldives leg underscores regional stability and influence in the Indian Ocean.

As the world watches closely, PM Modi’s UK and Maldives tour may prove to be a defining moment for India’s diplomatic roadmap in 2025 and beyond.