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Trade agreements

Prime Minister Modi to Visit UK and Maldives, Inaugurate Landmark India-UK Free Trade Deal

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a four-day trip to the United Kingdom and the Maldives, a visit that marks a significant reset in bilateral ties and the formal signing of the India-UK Free Trade Deal. The trip, scheduled from July 23 to 26, will see Modi hold wide-ranging talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, review the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and attend the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Maldives' Independence.

Key Takeaways:

  • Prime Minister Modi will visit the UK from July 23 to 24, holding talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and signing the landmark India-UK Free Trade Deal.
  • The FTA is expected to benefit 99% of Indian exports from tariff and make it easier for British firms to export whisky, cars, and other products to India.
  • Modi will also review the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UK, focusing on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education, and people-to-people ties.
  • In the Maldives, Modi will attend the Independence Day celebrations as "guest of honour" and hold discussions with President Mohammed Muizzu on issues of mutual interest and the implementation of the India-Maldives joint vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.
  • The visit marks a reset in bilateral ties between India and the Maldives, strained after Muizzu came to power in November 2023.
  • Modi will also hold discussions with King Charles III during the visit.

Statistics:

  • 99% of Indian exports expected to benefit from tariff elimination under the India-UK Free Trade Deal.
  • 90% of tariff lines to be reduced, with 85% becoming fully tariff-free within a decade.
  • 100% of trade values expected to be increased through the FTA.
  • The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership aims to cover diverse areas, including trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education, and people-to-people ties.
  • The India-Maldives joint vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership aims to strengthen bilateral ties in the maritime sector.

Sources:

  • Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
  • Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) readout
  • British Prime Minister's office

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