Modi in UK: India-UK Free Trade Deal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his high-stakes two-day visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday with a clear focus: to deepen India-UK strategic ties in trade, defence, and technology, and to seal the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that promises to reshape bilateral economic relations.
The visit, made at the invitation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is being seen as a turning point in India-UK relations, especially with both leaders keen to inject fresh momentum into a relationship that spans centuries but is now firmly grounded in mutual economic interests and global cooperation.
A Trade Milestone: All Eyes on the FTA Signing
According to official sources, the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, finalized in May after over three years of negotiations, is likely to be formally signed on Thursday in the presence of both prime ministers.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and his UK counterpart Jonathan Reynolds are expected to ink the agreement — a landmark deal that will eliminate tariffs on about 99% of Indian exports and significantly ease access for British exports, including whisky, automobiles, and technology products, to the Indian market.
“This trade agreement will open up vast opportunities for our businesses and industries,” PM Modi stated prior to his departure. “It reflects our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient economic partnership.”
Bilateral Talks at Chequers
On Thursday afternoon (IST), Modi and Starmer are holding wide-ranging bilateral discussions at Chequers, the British Prime Minister’s official country residence located just outside London. The agenda includes not just the FTA but also strategic cooperation in defence, cybersecurity, clean energy, research and innovation, and health.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will hold a press briefing at 6:30 PM (IST) to outline the key takeaways from the meeting.
A Royal Engagement: Meeting with King Charles III
Later in the evening, around 9 PM IST, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet King Charles III, marking a continuation of India’s robust engagement with the UK monarchy, especially on global issues like climate change and sustainability — causes both leaders have long supported.
Diaspora Delight: A Warm Welcome in London
Upon his arrival in London, PM Modi received an enthusiastic reception from the Indian diaspora, many of whom gathered at the airport and on the streets to greet him with traditional music, dance, and waving tricolours.
Sharing his gratitude on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister wrote:
“Touched by the warm welcome from the Indian community in the UK. Their affection and passion towards India’s progress is truly heartening.”
With over 1,000 Indian companies operating in Britain and creating jobs for nearly 100,000 people, the Indian business footprint in the UK remains significant. Conversely, the UK is India’s sixth-largest investor, having poured $36 billion into the Indian economy so far.
India-UK Ties: A Broader Strategic Partnership
The visit comes at a time when India and the UK enjoy a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, covering a vast range of areas from education and research to defence and clean energy.
In 2023-24, India-UK bilateral trade crossed $55 billion, and the two countries are actively seeking to diversify their cooperation beyond traditional sectors.
Modi highlighted this in his departure statement:
“Our collaboration spans trade, investment, innovation, defence, health, sustainability, and people-to-people ties. It has witnessed remarkable progress in recent years.”
From London to Maldives
After wrapping up his engagements in the UK, Modi will depart for the Maldives on the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. This leg of the journey is being seen as a diplomatic breakthrough, especially as India-Maldives ties had seen a period of frosty relations under Muizzu’s early tenure.
Modi’s UK Visit Itinerary for July 24 (IST)
- 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers
- 6:30 PM: Press briefing by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri
- 9:00 PM: Meeting with King Charles III
As the world watches, Modi’s visit to the UK appears poised to deliver not just a long-awaited trade deal, but also a reinvigorated diplomatic relationship, built on shared values and economic opportunity.
