Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for a two-nation tour on Wednesday, aiming to strengthen trade ties with the UK and deepen maritime security cooperation with the Maldives. His visit to the UK is focused on the formal signing of a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), while his Maldives trip will coincide with the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the island nation, where he will be the guest of honour on July 25–26.
In a statement before leaving, Modi said that his visit would focus on “enhancing economic cooperation and strengthening peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.” He also expressed confidence that the trip would bring “tangible outcomes” for people in both countries while furthering India’s Neighbourhood First policy.
Modi’s two-day visit to the UK will highlight the signing of the much-awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This agreement is expected to boost trade and investment between the two countries by reducing tariffs, promoting market access, and enhancing collaboration in sectors such as technology, innovation, defence, education, and sustainability.
“India and the UK share a comprehensive strategic partnership that has progressed remarkably in recent years. Our collaboration spans a wide range of areas, including health, research, and people-to-people ties,” Modi said.
During his visit, Modi will meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss ways to deepen economic cooperation and explore new opportunities for job creation and growth in both nations. He is also scheduled to meet King Charles III, reflecting the strong cultural and historical bonds between the two countries.
The India-UK relationship has seen significant momentum over the past few years, with both sides focusing on expanding trade and economic linkages. The new FTA is being viewed as a milestone step in strengthening bilateral trade relations that are already worth billions of dollars annually.
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Following his UK trip, Modi will head to the Maldives on July 25–26. He has been invited by President Mohamed Muizzu to join the country’s Independence Day celebrations, which hold special importance this year as they mark 60 years of independence as well as 60 years of diplomatic relations with India.
“I look forward to my meetings with President Muizzu and other leaders to advance our vision of a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,” Modi said, underlining India’s strategic interest in the Indian Ocean.
The Maldives, being a key maritime neighbour, plays a crucial role in India’s maritime security and neighbourhood policy. Modi’s visit is seen as a major step in rebuilding bilateral ties after a period of tension when Muizzu initially came to power on an “India Out” plank in 2023, seeking closer ties with China.
Relations between India and the Maldives were strained in 2023 due to Muizzu’s early policies, which leaned toward Beijing. However, ties began improving after Muizzu attended Modi’s swearing-in ceremony for his third term in June 2024. Since then, India has extended economic support to the Maldives to help the island nation overcome its balance of payments crisis, strengthening trust between the two countries.
This renewed engagement is part of India’s Neighbourhood First policy, which prioritises close relationships with neighbouring countries through economic cooperation, infrastructure projects, and maritime security collaborations.
Modi’s visit to the Maldives comes at a time when the Indian Ocean region is emerging as a significant area for global trade, maritime security, and strategic interests. Both India and the Maldives are working together to ensure peace and stability in the region, especially in the face of increasing geopolitical competition.
India has already been assisting the Maldives with coastal surveillance radar systems, patrol vessels, and defence training, contributing to the island nation’s security preparedness. The upcoming visit is expected to reinforce these efforts and explore new initiatives for regional cooperation.
Modi’s back-to-back visits to the UK and the Maldives underline India’s growing role in global diplomacy and regional stability. While the UK visit will focus on economic expansion and trade agreements, the Maldives trip will be centred on maritime security and strategic partnership.
This two-nation tour is also a reflection of India’s balanced foreign policy approach—deepening partnerships with major economies like the UK while also supporting and strengthening ties with smaller neighbouring nations.
Analysts expect that the India-UK FTA signing will be the highlight of Modi’s UK visit. The agreement is likely to open new doors for Indian businesses in the UK and vice versa, while also boosting job creation and investment opportunities. Discussions on technology collaboration, climate action, and defence cooperation are also expected.
In the Maldives, Modi is likely to announce new economic packages and development projects, focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, and education, alongside maritime security initiatives. His presence at the Independence Day celebrations will symbolise India’s long-standing support for the Maldives’ sovereignty and stability.
Before leaving, Modi said he was confident that this tour would result in “tangible outcomes benefiting the people of both nations.” He added that the visits would further India’s Neighbourhood First policy and strengthen India’s role as a key partner in regional and global affairs.
With trade, security, and diplomacy at the heart of this two-nation tour, Modi’s visit is set to strengthen India’s economic and strategic footprint in both Europe and the Indian Ocean region.
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