PM Modi Begins Two-Day UK Visit to Strengthen Economic and Strategic Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in London on Wednesday, beginning a two-day official visit to the United Kingdom. The visit marks a key moment in India’s efforts to deepen its economic and strategic relationship with the UK, with a major focus on finalizing the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

This is PM Modi’s fourth visit to the UK since taking office, following previous visits in 2015, 2018, and 2021. His last trip was for the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. This time, his agenda is more economically driven, as India and the UK look to build on their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) established in 2021.

PM Modi is scheduled to meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss ways to expand trade, investment, innovation, and job creation. The leaders are expected to focus on boosting cooperation in key sectors such as technology, defence, climate action, education, and healthcare. “Landed in London. This visit will go a long way in advancing the economic partnership between our nations. 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,” PM Modi wrote on X shortly after his arrival.

The FTA, which has been under negotiation for some time, is expected to reduce or eliminate tariffs on a wide range of goods and services. Once signed, it could push annual bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030 — a significant jump from current levels.

In his farewell statement before departing India, PM Modi highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries, noting that the CSP has led to stronger ties in trade, technology, defence, and people-to-people connections.

The visit also reflects both nations’ interest in creating a future-facing economic relationship that benefits their citizens. With the UK seeking stronger global trade partnerships post-Brexit, and India looking to expand its manufacturing and export capacity, this visit may prove to be a crucial turning point in bilateral relations.