July 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a significant four-day overseas tour, with stops in the United Kingdom and the Maldives. The visit is aimed at bolstering India’s economic partnerships, reinforcing maritime security cooperation, and recalibrating diplomatic ties in a changing geopolitical environment.
Modi’s tour begins with a two-day official visit to the United Kingdom, where he is scheduled to hold high-level talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. A key highlight of this leg of the journey is the anticipated signing of the much-awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The trade pact is expected to double bilateral trade from the current $60 billion to an estimated $120 billion by 2030, offering a major economic boost to both nations.
This visit marks Modi’s fourth trip to the UK as prime minister, and his engagements reflect the growing depth of the Indo-British relationship. Apart from formal discussions with PM Starmer, Modi is also expected to call on King Charles III. The two sides will review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and deliberate on key regional and global developments. Issues such as climate change, counter-terrorism, the rise of Khalistani extremism in diaspora communities, and cooperation in defence and technology are on the agenda.
The Prime Minister’s diplomatic itinerary also reflects India’s intent to respond assertively to regional concerns while expanding global partnerships. His discussions with UK leaders will include sensitive topics such as the activities of Khalistani groups in Britain, an issue that has recently strained ties between the two democracies. New Delhi is expected to seek assurances from London on addressing concerns related to extremism and security threats linked to separatist elements.
Following the UK leg, Prime Minister Modi will travel to the Maldives for a two-day state visit from July 25 to 26, at the invitation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The visit is strategically important as it comes amid strained India-Maldives relations following the election of President Muizzu, who has displayed a marked tilt toward China in recent months.
This is Modi’s third visit to the island nation and notably, the first by a head of government since Muizzu assumed office in November 2023. The visit signals a potential diplomatic reset between New Delhi and Male, with both sides looking to rebuild trust and enhance cooperation.
During his time in the Maldives, Modi will participate in bilateral talks that aim to advance the ‘India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership’—a roadmap agreed upon during President Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2024. Areas of focus include infrastructure development, maritime security, renewable energy, and regional connectivity.
In a significant symbolic gesture, PM Modi will serve as the Guest of Honour at the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations on July 26. His participation underscores India’s continued commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the broader ‘Vision MAHASAGAR’, which emphasizes maritime cooperation and regional security in the Indian Ocean.
Modi’s visit comes at a time when the geopolitical dynamics of the Indo-Pacific are undergoing rapid transformation. India’s active diplomacy in both the UK and Maldives is seen as part of a broader effort to solidify its influence in key strategic arenas while countering regional rivalries.
As both legs of the tour progress, the outcomes of this visit are expected to shape India’s foreign policy trajectory, foster stronger alliances, and reinforce its role as a decisive voice on the global stage.
