Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a visit to the United Kingdom, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
He said that India’s relations with the UK have gained “significant speed” in recent years under a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
After his departure, Modi said in a post on X, “For the UK, a country with which our comprehensive strategic partnership has achieved significant pace in the last few years. I am ready to meet with PM Kir starrer and my meeting with His Majesty Raja Charles III.”
The visit to the UK from July 23-24 is to promote bilateral relations, with the much awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed as a major attraction.
India and Britain share a comprehensive strategic partnership that has seen significant progress in recent years. Our cooperation spreads a wide range of areas including business, investment, technology, innovation, defense, education, research, stability, health and people from people to people.
Both countries are expected to sign a free trade agreement, which is currently doubling bilateral trade from $ 60 billion to 2030.
In his statement of his departure, PM Modi said, “During my meeting with Prime Minister RT Hon’ble Sir Kire Stmper, we will have the opportunity to further increase our economic partnership, which aims to promote prosperity, development and construction of jobs in both countries. I am keen to call His Majesty Raja Charles IIII during the journey.”
India-UK FTA has been talking for three years. The agreement is expected to eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports to Britain and reduce tariffs at 90% of British products. The FTA is estimated to double bilateral trade by the current USD 60 billion mark by 2030.
It will also make it easy for British firms to export products such as whiskey and cars to India. According to Mea, PM Modi will hold wide discussion on the entire gamut of the India-UK bilateral relations with his UK counterpart, Kir starrer.
They will also exchange ideas on issues of regional and global importance. Over the years, the Indo-UK historical relations have turned into a strong, multi-faceted, mutually beneficial relationship.
PM Modi is likely to increase the issue of Khalistani extremists in Britain, which has been a concern for India. The UK government has assured India that it will take necessary action to resolve the issue.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that the issue of Khalistani extremists and related groups is a matter of concern for India, and has been brought to the attention of partners in the United Kingdom.
Both countries will also review progress in areas such as climate action, healthcare, education and people’s connections.
With an Indian diaspora, which forms about 2.7 percent of the total population of the UK, it acts as a living bridge, which creates a major pillar of development and development of India through their valuable contribution to the British society and economy and also promotes bilateral cultural and economic cooperation and friendship between people of our two countries.
After a visit to the UK, PM Modi will travel to Maldives from 25-26 July. He will participate in the 60th-year-old celebrations of Maldives independence and meet President Mohammad Muizu to carry forward his joint approach to a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership.
“After this I will visit the Maldives at the invitation of the President, he also extended the 60th anniversary of establishing a diplomatic relations between our two countries to attend the ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of the independence of Maldives. This year also extended the 60th anniversary of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. The Indian Ocean region said in the Indian Ocean region.
The journey is expected to carry forward the first policy of India’s neighborhood, which prefer cooperation with neighboring countries.
PM Modi said, “I am confident that this journey will provide tangible results, benefit our people and carry forward the first policy of our neighborhood.” (AI)