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Prime ministers

PM Modi to Visit UK and Maldives to Enhance Bilateral Ties and Sign Landmark Free Trade Deal

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a four-day visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives, starting from Wednesday, to strengthen bilateral ties and finalize the IndiaUK free trade deal. Modi will first travel to the UK for a two-day trip, where he will hold talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and then proceed to the Maldives to attend the island nation's Independence Day celebrations as a guest of honor. The visit marks a significant reset of bilateral ties between India and the Maldives, which had strained after Mohamed Muizzu took office in November 2023.

Key Takeaways:

  • PM Modi will visit the UK from July 23 to 24 and hold wide-ranging talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, covering the entire gamut of India-UK bilateral relations and regional and global issues.
  • The IndiaUK free trade deal, expected to be signed during Modi's visit to London, will grant comprehensive market access for Indian goods across all sectors, with India gaining from tariff elimination on about 99% of tariff lines (product categories) covering almost 100% of trade values.
  • The trade deal will create a conducive environment for Indian and British businesses, with Indian tariffs set to be slashed, locking in reductions on 90% of tariff lines, and 85% of these becoming fully tariff-free within a decade.
  • PM Modi will also call on King Charles III during his visit to the UK.
  • Modi's visit to the Maldives is significant as it marks his first visit as the head of state or government since President Muizzu assumed office in November 2023.
  • The India-Maldives joint vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership' will be discussed during the visit, focusing on enhancing economic cooperation and maritime security.
  • Envoys from the United States and the European Union will be invited as guests to the Maldives Independence Day celebrations.

Statistics:

  • India and the UK sealed the free trade agreement in May, after three years of negotiations.
  • The IndiaUK free trade deal will cover 99% of Indian exports from tariff lines.
  • Indian tariffs will be slashed, locking in reductions on 90% of tariff lines, with 85% of these becoming fully tariff-free within a decade.
  • The India-Maldives trade deal aims to enhance economic cooperation between the two nations.

Sources:

  • "PM Modi to Visit UK and Maldives." The Northlines, 2025.
  • "India, UK seal free trade deal, hand in hand with tourism." The Northlines, 2025.

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