Indian PM Modi to Visit UK and Maldives to Deepen Strategic and Regional Partnerships

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-nation diplomatic tour from July 23 to 26, with official visits to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Maldives, marking a significant phase in India’s foreign policy outreach ahead of a crucial multilateral season.

At the invitation of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister Modi will visit London from July 23 to 24, his fourth official visit to the United Kingdom.

Image Source: PM NaMo on X

The two leaders are expected to hold comprehensive discussions covering the full spectrum of India–UK bilateral relations, ranging from trade, economy, defence, and innovation to climate action, healthcare, and education. 

Regional security and key global developments will also feature in the strategic dialogue. Modi is also expected to meet King Charles III, reinforcing India’s enduring ties with the British Crown.

The visit comes as India and the UK continue to review progress under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), announced in 2021. A key focus will be on finalising components of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), advancing cooperation in clean energy, digital technologies, and expanding defence-industrial linkages. 

Both sides are also likely to announce new people-to-people initiatives, especially in higher education and skill development.

On July 25, Prime Minister Modi will land in Malé for a State Visit to the Maldives, at the invitation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. This marks Modi’s third visit to the island nation and his first under the new administration. Notably, it is also the first visit by any Head of Government to the Maldives during Muizzu’s presidency.

A major highlight of the visit will be Prime Minister Modi serving as the ‘Guest of Honour’ at the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives on July 26. His presence underscores the strategic depth and symbolic significance India places on its maritime neighbour. 

Bilateral talks will include a review of the India–Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, an ambitious framework signed during President Muizzu’s State Visit to India in October 2024.

The partnership focuses on maritime security, infrastructure, energy cooperation, and economic resilience, particularly within the framework of India’s Neighbourhood First policy and the Vision MAHASAGAR initiative aimed at strengthening maritime links across the Indian Ocean Region.

The visit is expected to reaffirm India’s commitment to regional stability, especially amid growing global attention on Indo-Pacific dynamics. It will also serve to reset ties with the Maldives under President Muizzu, after a period marked by internal political shifts and questions about regional influence.

With two strategically significant allies—a Commonwealth power and an Indian Ocean neighbour—the visit positions India as a diplomatic anchor in both Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific theatres. 

It shows New Delhi’s balancing role amid a rapidly evolving global order and signals India's intent to lead regional integration through diplomatic continuity, economic depth, and maritime vision.