PM Modi To Begin Strategic UK Visit To Deepen Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant two-day visit to the United Kingdom, beginning July 23, where he will hold high-level discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The visit aims to reinforce the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), established in 2021, by enhancing collaboration in trade, defence, technology, climate action, and education.

This marks PM Modi’s fourth official visit to the UK since taking office. He has previously visited in 2015, 2018, and 2021 for the COP26 Summit in Glasgow.

The two leaders have also met twice in the past year, underlining the growing frequency of engagements between the two nations.

Central to the visit is the expected signing of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which has been under negotiation for several years.

Bilateral trade between the two nations reached USD 55 billion in 2023–24, with the UK ranking as the sixth-largest investor in India.

Indian investments in the UK have also been notable, with around 1,000 Indian firms employing nearly 1,00,000 people and generating revenues of USD 91 billion.

The two sides are also working through the UK–India Infrastructure Financing Bridge, a mechanism to mobilise UK financial expertise for India’s green infrastructure and renewable energy sectors.

Defence and Strategic Cooperation

On the defence front, the two nations are deepening their military ties through joint training, regular tri-services exercises, and technology sharing.

One of the key initiatives includes co-development of electric propulsion systems for naval platforms, signalling a shift towards next-generation defence innovation.

Both countries have exchanged military instructors between their academies, reflecting growing trust and long-term cooperation between their armed forces.

PM Modi’s visit will celebrate the Technology–Security Initiative (TSI), which has been pivotal in enhancing cooperation in emerging areas like AI, telecoms, and cybersecurity.

On health, the Serum Institute of India and the University of Oxford have co-developed a WHO-approved malaria vaccine, following their earlier success with the Covishield COVID-19 vaccine.

Education links are also expanding, with UK universities such as the University of Southampton opening campuses in India under the new education policy framework. More such initiatives are expected in the coming years.

Engaging with the Indian Diaspora and Royalty

PM Modi will also meet King Charles III and engage with business leaders and the Indian diaspora, a community of over 1.8 million that continues to play a vital role in nurturing UK–India ties.

Referred to as the ‘Living Bridge’, this diaspora contributes significantly to both nations’ economies and cultural understanding.

Climate change and sustainable development will feature prominently in talks. The UK remains a key partner in India’s International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

Joint initiatives like One Sun One World One Grid and IRIS (Infrastructure for Resilient Island States) are testaments to the shared commitment to climate action and resilience.

Prime Minister Modi will sign strategic agreements and strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors during his UK visit.

As India and the UK continue to evolve their partnership into a robust global alliance, this visit marks a pivotal moment in strengthening ties that are both historic and forward-looking.

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