News Desk
NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a crucial two-nation tour to the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to 26, aiming to advance India’s global trade ambitions and strengthen ties with its maritime neighbor. The visit reflects India’s strategic balancing act, fostering economic partnerships abroad while reinforcing its regional influence.
The journey begins in London, where PM Modi will arrive on July 23 to sign a landmark free trade agreement with the United Kingdom. After three years of intense negotiations, the deal will eliminate tariffs on 99 percent of Indian exports to the UK, while easing access for British goods like whisky and automobiles into India’s vast market.
This agreement, a milestone in India-UK relations, is expected to expand trade and deepen security cooperation, positioning both nations for a stronger economic partnership in a shifting global landscape.
From London, PM Modi will travel to the Maldives on July 25 to serve as the chief guest at the nation’s 60th National Day celebrations, marking first state visit under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration.
PM Modi’s presence underscores India’s commitment to its “Neighbourhood First” policy, with discussions aimed at rebuilding trust and enhancing cooperation in maritime security and economic development. His last bilateral visit to the Maldives was in June 2019, and this trip builds on President Muizzu’s October 2024 visit to India, which signaled a desire to mend ties.
India’s role as a key partner in the Indian Ocean Region will be central to Modi’s agenda in Male’, with a focus on regional stability and shared prosperity. The Maldives visit offers a chance to address lingering concerns and strengthen bilateral projects, such as the Greater Male Connectivity Project, backed by Indian funding.
Modi’s itinerary reflects India’s broader foreign policy goals: securing economic opportunities through global trade deals and nurturing regional relationships to counterbalance geopolitical shifts. In the UK, the focus is on a transformative trade pact; in the Maldives, it’s about reaffirming India’s role as a reliable neighbor. Together, these visits highlight India’s deft diplomacy, positioning it as a leader in both economic and regional spheres.
