Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the United Kingdom from July 23 to 24, marking his fourth trip there since 2014. A major focus of this brief but significant visit is the finalization of a long-negotiated free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the UK. Following the UK trip, Modi will spend two days in the Maldives.
The FTA is more than just a trade pact—it represents a broader move toward deeper strategic ties, especially in defense. India is preparing to invest heavily in its military modernization, and the UK is expected to emerge as a key partner in that effort.
Another major concern on the agenda is the growing presence of Khalistani extremist groups in the UK. The British authorities are reported to have implemented robust security measures in response to India’s concerns, aiming to prevent any disruption by pro-Khalistan supporters during Modi’s visit. This comes after a March incident where a protester breached Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s security in London. Indian officials have emphasized that such extremist elements not only pose a threat to India but also to the UK’s own social harmony.
India’s foreign secretary Vikram Misri stated that the presence of such elements should be equally troubling for British authorities. Meanwhile, Vikram Doraiswami, India’s high commissioner to the UK, emphasized that even though the visit is short, it holds the potential to significantly elevate bilateral ties.
On the trade front, India is poised to gain duty-free access for 99% of its exports, including textiles and apparel, giving it a competitive edge over nations like Bangladesh and Vietnam. In return, the UK will benefit from reduced tariffs—up to 90%—on its exports to India, such as whiskey, cars, lamb, and medical equipment.
Beyond trade and security, the visit will also highlight educational and technological collaborations. The University of Southampton recently inaugurated a campus in Gurugram, a first under India’s New Education Policy. Additionally, initiatives like the Technology Security Initiative show growing cooperation in emerging tech.
This visit comes within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2021, and both nations appear eager to take the relationship to new heights.
