Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on a high-profile two-nation tour from July 23 to 26, with strategic stops in the United Kingdom and the Maldives. The visit is aimed at advancing India's global trade ambitions and recalibrating strained regional ties.
UK Visit: FTA Breakthrough After Years of Negotiation
Modi’s tour will begin in London on July 23–24, where he is expected to formally sign the long-awaited India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA)—a landmark development in the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Negotiated over the course of three years, the agreement is poised to significantly reduce tariffs, broaden market access, and foster greater economic integration. For India, it promises lower trade barriers on exports such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products, while British industries—particularly those dealing in premium automobiles, whisky, and services—will gain greater entry into the Indian market.
Analysts see the FTA as a transformative step toward a modern India–UK economic partnership, boosting trade volumes and investment flows on both sides.
Maldives Visit: Rebuilding Bridges in the Indian Ocean
Following his UK visit, Prime Minister Modi will travel to the Maldives on July 25, where he has been invited to serve as Chief Guest at the 60th National Day celebrations in Malé.
This marks Modi’s first visit to the island nation since bilateral tensions flared under President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, which took office with a visibly pro-China stance and launched the controversial “India Out” campaign. Relations further deteriorated earlier this year following the expulsion of Indian military personnel and the suspension of defence agreements, including those involving Indian helicopters.
Tensions were exacerbated by a social media row after PM Modi promoted tourism in Lakshadweep, prompting derogatory remarks from Maldivian deputy ministers that drew public and diplomatic ire.
Now, in what is being viewed as a course-corrective move, President Muizzu has extended an olive branch by inviting Modi for the national celebration. The Indian Prime Minister’s visit is expected to be a reset moment for New Delhi–Malé ties, reaffirming India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and to ensuring peace and strategic stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
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