Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to undertake a significant diplomatic mission later this month with back-to-back visits to the United Kingdom and the Maldives, aimed at bolstering India’s strategic and regional partnerships. These visits come at a crucial time and are expected to strengthen ties, address outstanding concerns, and reaffirm India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.
PM Modi will begin his overseas engagements with a visit to the United Kingdom on July 23 and 24. This will mark his fourth visit to the UK, where he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The highlight of this visit will be the signing of the long-anticipated India-UK Free Trade Agreement, a landmark deal aimed at significantly boosting trade and economic collaboration between the two nations.
During the UK visit, Prime Minister Modi is also expected to call on King Charles III. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two countries will review the progress made under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The discussions will place special focus on key areas including trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate change, healthcare, education, and enhancing people-to-people ties.
Following his UK visit, the Prime Minister will travel to the Maldives on a state visit from July 25 to 26, at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. This will be Prime Minister Modi’s third visit to the Maldives and notably the first visit by any Head of State or Government to the island nation during President Muizzu’s tenure. The timing of the visit is particularly symbolic, as the Prime Minister will be the ‘Guest of Honour’ at the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the Maldives' independence.
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The MEA, in its official statement, emphasised the importance of this visit, describing it as a key opportunity to rebuild trust, reinforce mutual cooperation, and advance India’s strategic and economic interests in the Indian Ocean region. The visit is also expected to contribute to regional stability through strengthened bilateral engagement.
During the visit, PM Modi will hold high-level talks with President Muizzu. The two leaders will review the state of bilateral relations and assess the progress of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.’ This joint vision was adopted during President Muizzu’s state visit to India in October 2024 and forms the cornerstone of future cooperation between the two nations. The upcoming visits are being viewed as a strategic reset in India’s foreign policy engagements, with renewed emphasis on consolidating ties with both long-standing allies and regional neighbours.
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