India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on a significant diplomatic visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to July 26, 2025. The Ministry of External Affairs officially confirmed the visit, which reflects India’s growing commitment to reinforcing global partnerships, promoting regional security, and advancing economic cooperation.
Fourth Visit to the UK: Strategic Talks and Free Trade Agreement Signing
Modi’s two-day visit to the UK from July 23 to 24 marks his fourth official visit to the country. Invited by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the trip will include comprehensive discussions on the India UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Key focus areas include trade, technological collaboration, defence cooperation, climate action, healthcare, education, and people-to-people engagement.
A key highlight of the upcoming visit is the formal signing of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement—finalized in May after years of negotiations.
During this trip, the two nations will ratify the deal, marking a pivotal moment in their bilateral relationship. Importantly, the agreement sets an ambitious target to nearly double the volume of trade between India and the United Kingdom by 2030.
Under the terms of the agreement, India stands to gain enhanced market access for key export sectors such as textiles, leather goods, gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, and engineering products.
At the same time, the United Kingdom is likely to benefit from smoother entry of its exports into the Indian market, especially in whisky, automobiles, and advanced medical devices.
State Visit to Maldives: Celebrating 60 Years of Independence Together
On July 25 and 26, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a State Visit to the Maldives, following an invitation from Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. This visit will mark Modi’s third trip to the island nation, and significantly, it will be the first by an Indian Prime Minister since President Muizzu assumed office.
His visit also holds symbolic importance, as Modi will attend the 60th Independence Day celebrations on July 26 as the Guest of Honor. This moment reflects a clear step toward reviving mutual trust and realigning diplomatic ties, especially after the period of tension seen between 2023 and 2024.
Moreover, the meeting between Modi and Muizzu will provide an opportunity to review key agreements, especially the India–Maldives Joint Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.
This framework, originally agreed upon during President Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2024, serves as a roadmap for deeper cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, and regional maritime security.
Furthermore, this visit sends an unmistakable signal to the international community. It shows that India is not simply reacting to global shifts but is instead taking a proactive role in shaping regional dynamics.
Modi has consistently used foreign visits to present India as a country of growing influence, rooted in democratic values, committed to bold economic reforms, and led by stable governance.
