PM Modi to Visit UK, Maldives for High-Level Talks on Trade and Security

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to undertake a four-day official trip to the United Kingdom and the Maldives, beginning July 23, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Sunday.

The first leg of the tour will take him to the UK at the invitation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. According to the MEA, this will be PM Modi’s fourth visit to the country. He is expected to hold wide-ranging talks with his British counterpart to review the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), with a focus on trade, economy, technology, defense, and security. The agenda also includes discussions on climate, health, and education, and a potential meeting with King Charles III.

Following his visit to the UK, PM Modi will travel to the Maldives for a state visit from July 25 to 26, at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. This will be the Prime Minister’s third visit to the island nation and the first by any head of state or government during President Muizzu’s tenure.

A key highlight of the visit will be PM Modi’s participation as the ‘Guest of Honour’ in the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of Maldives’ independence on July 26. The MEA stated that the two leaders will also assess the progress of the “Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,” a joint vision adopted during President Muizzu’s state visit to India in October 2024.

The ministry added that the visit reflects the high importance India attaches to the Maldives, a key maritime neighbor under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘Vision MAHASAGAR’ initiative.