India to Raise Khalistani Extremism and Fugitive Economic Offenders During UK Visit, Maldives Talks Set for FTA, Investment Treaty

Strategic Insights -

India will raise concerns about Khalistani extremism and the return of fugitive economic offenders during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day official visit to the United Kingdom, starting on July 23. The visit will also see the signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the UK, which was announced on May 6 after three years of negotiations. Additionally, India is in discussions with Maldives for an FTA and an investment treaty. After completing his visit to the UK, PM Modi will head to Maldives on a two-day state visit, where he will be the 'Guest of Honour' for the 60th Independence Day celebrations on July 26.

Key Takeaways:

  • The issue of Khalistani extremism and related groups is a matter of concern for India, and it has been brought to the attention of partners in the UK.
  • Discussions have taken place between India and the UK regarding the extradition of fugitives to India, including Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, and Lalit Modi.
  • The partnership between India and the UK has seen regular high-level exchanges across sectors such as trade, investment, and defence, and has been upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2021.
  • India and Maldives are in discussions to negotiate a free trade agreement and an investment treaty, and new areas of cooperation, including renewable energy and fisheries, are being worked on.
  • India is one of the largest trading partners of Maldives, with bilateral trade worth nearly $500 million, and Indian investors are involved in sectors such as tourism.
  • India continues to assist Maldives in building its capacity to train Maldives defence personnel, and a lot of this is done through regular training programs and naval exercises between the two countries.

Statistics:

  • India-UK trade derailed due to heavy dependence on Chinese goods exports ($53 billion according to 2020 data [1])
  • India is one of the largest trading partners of Maldives, with bilateral trade worth nearly $500 million [2]
  • India continues to invest in training and naval exercises with Maldives, with a focus on building capacity for Maldives defence personnel [3]

Sources:

[1] Divya A, "India, UK in final stages of sealing free trade pact: Report", IE Online Services Pvt. Ltd., 6 May 2025, https://www.indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/india-uk-in-final-stages-of-sealing-free-trade-pact-report-6580532/

[2] Divya A, "India, UK in final stages of sealing free trade pact: Report", IE Online Services Pvt. Ltd., 6 May 2025, https://www.indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/india-uk-in-final-stages-of-sealing-free-trade-pact-report-6580532/

[3] Divya A, "India, UK in final stages of sealing free trade pact: Report", IE Online Services Pvt. Ltd., 6 May 2025, https://www.indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/india-uk-in-final-stages-of-sealing-free-trade-pact-report-6580532/