PM Modi Arrives in UK for Two-Day Visit, FTA with Britain Tops Agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in London on Thursday for a two-day official visit aimed at bolstering economic and strategic ties between India and the United Kingdom. Announcing his arrival on social media, PM Modi said the visit would focus on enhancing prosperity and job creation through a stronger India-UK economic partnership.

“The focus will be on furthering prosperity, growth, and boosting job creation for our people. A strong India-UK friendship is essential for global progress,” he posted.

FTA to Be Key Highlight

The centrepiece of the visit will be the formal signing of the long-negotiated India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), hailed as a “landmark” deal by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

“Our landmark trade deal with India is a major win for Britain,” Starmer said ahead of the talks.

The FTA, finalised on May 6, is expected to significantly ease tariffs, with up to 99% of Indian exports gaining enhanced market access in the UK. In return, British exports such as whisky, automobiles, and certain industrial goods will enjoy fewer trade barriers in India. The deal will be formally signed by Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and his British counterpart Jonathan Reynolds.

Strategic Engagements and Bilateral Talks

During the visit, PM Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Starmer at Chequers, the UK Prime Minister’s official countryside residence. The two leaders will review progress under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), with discussions expected to span trade, defence, technology, climate cooperation, health, and education.

PM Modi will also have an audience with King Charles III, before heading to the Maldives for a scheduled state visit on July 25–26.

Warm Welcome from Indian Diaspora

Modi was received at London’s airport by UK Foreign Office Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West, Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami, and British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron.

The Indian community in the UK gave the Prime Minister a rousing welcome. Emotional scenes unfolded as diaspora members lined up to greet him.

“It was surreal. I got to shake his hand. He is so dynamic,” said Gehna Gautam, a member of the Indian community.

“The Prime Minister gave me ‘ashirwad’. It was the best feeling ever,” said another attendee, Bhavya.

Members of the Dawoodi Bohra community also turned out in large numbers, expressing pride in the Prime Minister’s longstanding ties with their community.

PM Modi’s UK visit marks a significant moment in India’s post-election diplomatic outreach and could serve as a turning point in the evolving Indo-British relationship.