Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit two countries — the United Kingdom and the Maldives — from July 23 to 26. The purpose of this visit is to strengthen India’s trade and diplomatic relationships with both nations.
Visit to the United Kingdom (July 23–24)
PM Modi will first travel to the UK on July 23 and 24. During this visit, he is expected to finalise a major Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK.
- This agreement aims to double the trade between the two countries to $120 billion by 2030.
- The FTA has been in discussion for the past three years.
- After signing, it must be approved by India’s Cabinet and the UK Parliament.
- The deal is expected to be fully implemented within a year of signing.
Visit to the Maldives (July 25–26)
After the UK, PM Modi will visit the Maldives from July 25 to 26. He will be the Chief Guest at the Maldives’ 60th National Day celebrations.
- This visit is important because it’s the first one under the leadership of President Mohamed Muizzu.
- Relations between India and the Maldives had become tense recently due to the “India Out” campaign in the Maldives.
- However, President Muizzu has stated that India is a valued partner and the relationship is based on mutual respect and shared interests.
Earlier this year, India signed 13 agreements (MoUs) with the Maldives to:
- Improve ferry services using a MVR 100 million grant.
- Boost maritime connectivity.
- Support community development.
The Maldives is a key maritime neighbour of India in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- It holds a special place in India’s SAGAR initiative (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Neighbourhood First Policy.
- In January, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the Maldives is an important part of this regional strategy for peace and growth.
PM Modi’s visit is seen as a major step to reset and strengthen ties with both the UK and the Maldives in trade, security, and regional cooperation.
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