If PM Modi began the month of July by embarking on a five-nation tour to Africa, the Caribbean and South America, he’s likely to end the month by visiting the UK and the Maldives.
UK Visit: FTA To Be Signed
Sources say PM Modi is likely to visit the UK in the last week of July, where the signing of the long-negotiated India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is on the table. This would mark Modi’s first official interaction with his British counterpart Keir Starmer whose government took office earlier this year.
In May this year, PM Modi had announced the conclusion of negotiations on the FTA that was under discussion since 2022. As reported earlier by StratNews Global, the deal is expected to unlock bilateral trade opportunities across sectors such as legal services, healthcare, green energy, financial technology and manufacturing. The agreement is being seen as a post-Brexit milestone for the UK and a gateway for India to deepen its economic footprint in Europe.
According to UK government projections, the deal could add £4.8 billion to the British economy and increase annual wages by £2.2 billion. For India, benefits include duty-free access for exports like textiles, IT services, gems and jewellery. Besides, the Double Contribution Convention will save Indian firms thousands of crores by exempting employees from paying into the UK’s social security system for short-term assignments. The deal would represent a diplomatic and economic breakthrough for both nations.
Maldives Visit: Resetting Regional Ties
Following the UK leg, PM Modi will travel to the Maldives where he will be the Chief Guest at the country’s Independence Day celebrations on July 26. The visit follows a downturn in bilateral ties after President Mohamed Muizzu took office in late 2023 and called for withdrawal of Indian military personnel.
PM Modi’s participation in the national event is an outreach aimed at reaffirming India’s commitment to regional stability, while finely asserting its influence in the Indian Ocean in the face of China’s growing presence.
The visit will feature talks on development cooperation, defence ties and financial assistance. India has remained a vital economic partner to the Maldives, extending key support including a $400 million currency swap arrangement, Rs 30 billion in aid and rolling over Treasury bills worth $100 million to help the island nation manage its fiscal challenges.
Infrastructure and housing projects backed by India are also expected to be on the agenda, reflecting a continued effort to support the Maldives’ development priorities while reinforcing diplomatic goodwill.
Strategic Duality: Global Reach, Regional Roots
The scheduled visits of PM Modi highlight India’s evolving foreign policy strategy—bolstering global economic partnerships while re-engaging meaningfully with its neighborhood.
“The Prime Minister’s itinerary reflects both strategic depth and diplomatic balance,” a senior government source noted. “It signals India’s readiness to lead economically and its enduring responsibility in the Indian Ocean region.”
