Overview

• Prime Minister Modi will visit the United Kingdom on July 23–24 to formally sign the India-UK Free Trade Agreement covering tariff cuts on 99% of traded goods.
• The agreement requires ratification by both the British Parliament and India’s Cabinet before coming into force, with full implementation expected about a year after signing.
• Modi will serve as Chief Guest at the Maldives’ 60th National Day celebrations on July 25–26 at President Mohamed Muizzu’s invitation, marking the first visit by a head of government under his administration.
• The Maldives visit aims to mend ties strained by the 2023 “India Out” campaign and reinforce India’s Neighborhood First and SAGAR policies in the Indian Ocean region.
• Discussions in London will also review progress on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UK, focusing on trade, security, technology and people-to-people ties.