India-UK free trade agreement ahead of Trump's tariff deadline? Modi to embark on state visit to UK, Maldives from July 23

India and the United Kingdom may sign free trade agreement next week, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on state visit to Britain on July 23. Modi will also be visiting Maldives during his upcoming two-nation visit starting from July 23.

 

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said prime minister will engage in wide ranging talks with his UK counterpart Keir Starmer during the visit. According to the ministry, PM Modi will visit the UK from July 23-24. This is Modi's fourth visit to the UK. 

 

"​During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold wide ranging discussions with Prime Minister Starmer on the entire gamut of India-UK bilateral relations. They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance," it said. Modi is also likely to call on His Majesty King Charles III during his two-day visit. 

 

"The two sides will also review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with a specific focus on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people-to-people ties," it said in a statement. 

 

 

In Maldives, Prime Minister Modi will be the guest of honour during 60th Maldives Independence Day celebrations  on July 26. "This will be prime minister's third visit to Maldives, and the first visit by a Head of State or Government to Maldives during the Presidency of H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu," it said. 

 

Prime minister and Maldives president will hold discussions on issues of mutual interest. "The two leaders will also take stock of the progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership’, adopted during the State Visit of the President of Maldives to India in October 2024."

 

Modi's visit to Maldives comes after whole row following his visit to Lakshadweep last year. Several Maldives politicians took offense of Modi's visit, and charged he was trying to pull down Maldives tourism, a contributor to the economy of neighbouring country. However, the controversy disuaded several Indians from visiting the neighbouring island nation.

India