Prime Minister Narendra Modi set out on a two-country diplomatic tour on Wednesday, visiting the United Kingdom and the Maldives in an effort to strengthen bilateral ties and seek strategic ties. Describing optimism over the trip, PM Modi said that he hopes the tour will yield significant and tangible results.
The Prime Minister’s visit to the United Kingdom, set for July 23–24, follows an invitation from newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This marks Modi’s fourth official visit to the UK.
In a release before he left, PM Modi stated, "India and UK have a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that has seen remarkable advancement in recent times. Our cooperation cuts across a broad spectrum of sectors such as trade, investment, technology, innovation, defence, education, research, sustainability, health and people-to-people connections."
He further added that he intends to hold bilateral talks with PM Starmer focused on furthering economic cooperation between the two countries. The aim, he said, is to foster "prosperity, growth and job creation in both countries." He further said that he would also be meeting King Charles III during the visit.
Following his UK engagement, PM Modi will travel to the Maldives for a State Visit from July 25–26 at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. This visit marks Modi’s third trip to the island nation, and notably, the first such visit by any foreign head of state or government during President Muizzu’s term.
Emphasizing the significance of the visit, PM Modi will be the Guest of Honour at the Maldives' celebrations of 60th Independence Day on July 26. The event also commemorates the 60th year of diplomatic ties between India and the Maldives.
This leg of the tour places particular focus on India's resolve to deepen engagement with maritime neighbours, a primary precept of the 'Neighbourhood First' approach and the larger Vision MAHASAGAR initiative.
I am eagerly waiting to have meetings with President Muizzu and other political leaders of the Indian Ocean archipelago," PM Modi said, highlighting that talks would be centered on promoting "a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership" and strengthening initiatives for regional peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.".
He ended on a confident tone: "I am sure that the visit will have concrete results, for the benefit of our people and in the implementation of our Neighbourhood First Policy."
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