Prime Minister Modi's Fourth Visit to the UK Marks New Chapter in India-UK Relations

 As Prime Minister Narendra Modi sets out on his fourth official visit to the United Kingdom on July 23, India-UK bilateral relations are poised to receive a significant boost, with the long-awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) nearing completion.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the visit will include high-level engagements with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and a formal audience with King Charles III. The itinerary also features key meetings with prominent business leaders from both nations, reflecting the deepening economic ties and shared strategic interests.

"We are currently completing the legal vetting and final procedures for the Free Trade Agreement," Misri stated. "The UK is the sixth-largest investor in India with cumulative investments of $36 billion. Conversely, India has become a major investor in the UK, contributing nearly $20 billion in cumulative FDI."

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that Prime Minister Modi and his British counterpart will hold comprehensive discussions covering the full spectrum of bilateral ties, and will also deliberate on pressing regional and global developments. Misri noted that issues such as the activities of Khalistani extremists in the UK and the extradition of fugitives remain on the diplomatic agenda.

"The matter of extremist elements is one we have raised with our UK partners, as it should be of concern to them as well," Misri added. On extradition efforts, he remarked, "We are continuing dialogue and will emphasize the successful extradition cases, such as Tahawwur Rana, as reference points."

This visit follows multiple high-level engagements between Modi and Starmer, including meetings during the G20 Summit in Brazil in November 2024 and the G7 Summit in June 2025, along with several telephonic exchanges.

An indicator of the evolving strategic partnership is the presence of five ministerial-level institutional mechanisms between the two countries, covering strategic affairs, economy and finance, trade, energy, and science and technology.

Landmark Free Trade Agreement Announced

In a major development, both leaders have welcomed the successful conclusion of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, alongside the Double Contribution Convention. A government statement emphasized the significance of this agreement, which aims to catalyse trade, investment, job creation, and innovation across both economies.

"Delighted to speak with my friend PM Keir Starmer," Modi said in a social media post on X. "In a historic milestone, India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement. These landmark agreements will further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership."

Echoing the sentiment, Prime Minister Starmer stated, "Strengthening alliances and reducing trade barriers with economies around the world is central to our Plan for Change to build a stronger and more secure economy."

Expanding Strategic Cooperation

In recent months, strategic dialogues between the two nations have intensified. In June, Foreign Secretary Misri and UK Permanent Under-Secretary Oliver Robbins co-chaired the 17th UK-India Foreign Office Consultations, and launched the inaugural Strategic Exports and Technology Cooperation Dialogue. These discussions underscored the deepening engagement in trade, defence cooperation, advanced technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy had earlier described the agreement as "a landmark deal that ushers in a new era of bilateral cooperation," pointing to its vast economic and strategic implications. "This is just the beginning of supercharging our GBP 43 billion trading relationship," he said.

With this visit, Prime Minister Modi reaffirms India’s commitment to expanding its global partnerships, and the India-UK relationship stands as a cornerstone of New Delhi’s vision for strategic and economic growth on the international stage.