PM Narendra Modi arrived in London for a two-day visit to the United Kingdom. He emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between India and the United Kingdom for global development. "I have arrived in London." This visit will strengthen our countries' economic ties. The main goal is to promote growth, create more jobs, and increase prosperity for our people. "A close friendship between India and the United Kingdom is critical for global progress," according to social media platform X.
Key Highlights
- PM Modi arrives in London July 23–24 to formally sign landmark India‑UK Free Trade Agreement.
- Deal eliminates tariffs on 99% Indian exports, cuts duties on UK whisky and cars, boosts growth.
Along with India's High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, and the UK's High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, PM Modi was greeted at the airport by UK Minister in charge of the Indo-Pacific region Catherine West.
Members of the UK Parliament, students, and community leaders flocked to the area around London to welcome him with excitement and well wishes.
"This is a moment of pride for both nations, especially for Indians residing in the UK. After such a long absence, everyone is ecstatic to see the prime minister. In an interview with news agency PTI, Kuldeep Shekhawat, the leader of the BJP's Overseas Friends, stated, "We're happy we had the chance to welcome him, even though it's a brief visit."
What's on the agenda?
During his two-day visit to the United Kingdom, PM Modi will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as well as King Charles III. Starmer will host him at Chequers, his official country house just outside London.
A major highlight of the visit is anticipated to be the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and actions towards strengthening the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Prior to his departure, PM Modi said, "Our cooperation covers many areas such as trade, investment, technology, defence, education, health, research, the environment, and strong connections between our people."
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It is anticipated that the two leaders will prioritize deepening economic relations. Their objectives are to facilitate trade between the two nations, encourage growth, and generate new jobs. In order to make goods from India and the UK more competitive and affordable, both parties are attempting to lower or eliminate import and export taxes as part of the trade agreement. By 2030, they want two-way trade to reach USD 120 billion.
Trade between India and the UK exceeded USD 55 billion in 2023. With an estimated USD 36 billion in investments, the UK is currently India's sixth-largest investor. Approximately 1,000,000 people are employed by nearly 1,000 Indian businesses in the UK. In the meantime, almost $20 billion has been invested in the UK by Indian companies.
Since taking office, Prime Minister Modi has made four trips to the UK. In 2015, 2018, and 2021 (for the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow), he made three prior visits. Additionally, he had two meetings with Prime Minister Starmer in the past year: at the G20 summit in Rio and the G7 summit in June in Kananaskis, Canada.
