THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, July 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday embarked on a two-nation tour, starting with the United Kingdom before heading to the Maldives later this week.
His visit to London from July 23–24 is expected to give a major boost to bilateral relations, with the long-awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at the center of discussions.
The FTA, which has been under negotiation for nearly three years, aims to eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports to Britain while reducing duties on about 90% of UK goods, including key products such as whisky and automobiles. Officials estimate the pact could double bilateral trade by 2030 from the current USD 60 billion mark.
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During his stay, Prime Minister Modi will hold wide-ranging talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, covering trade, strategic cooperation, and global issues.
Strengthening security collaboration will also be on the agenda, with Modi expected to raise India’s concerns over Khalistani extremist activities in the UK. The British government has assured New Delhi that it will take necessary steps to curb such elements.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the issue of Khalistani groups has repeatedly been highlighted in discussions with UK counterparts, alongside ongoing talks on extradition of fugitives to India.
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India and the UK share a relationship that has evolved from historical ties into a robust and multi-dimensional partnership. In 2021, the two nations elevated their engagement to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has paved the way for frequent high-level interactions.
Modi and Starmer have already met twice in the past year—at the G20 Summit in Brazil in November 2024 and again during the G7 Summit in June 2025—besides several telephonic exchanges.
