Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in London on Wednesday evening as he started a two-day official visit with the aim of enhancing economic relations and broadening the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). While commenting on the significance of this relationship, PM Modi pointed out that it is of global importance.
Arrived in London. This trip will help significantly in taking the economic cooperation between our countries forward. The emphasis will be on propelling prosperity, growth and job creation for our citizens. A robust India-UK relationship is key to world progress," the Prime Minister tweeted on social media platform X.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesman Randhir Jaiswal seconded this, tweeting on X: "Scripting a new beginning in the India-Great Britain Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. PM @narendramodi lands in London, on an official visit to the UK. Bilateral talks with PM @Keir_Starmer & meeting with His Majesty King Charles III @RoyalFamily await."
This is the fourth official visit of Prime Minister Modi to the UK and comes after an invitation from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. On leaving India, PM Modi stated, "Leaving for the UK, a nation with which our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has gained tremendous pace in recent years. I look forward to my discussions with PM Keir Starmer and my meeting with His Majesty King Charles III."
During the visit, both countries will review progress under the CSP, with particular emphasis on trade, innovation, defence cooperation, healthcare, education, climate action, and people-to-people engagement. The talks also are likely to take up larger regional and global trends of common interest.
Among the visit's highlights is progress towards the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), long awaited and negotiated for three years. The deal will be eliminating tariffs on 99% of Indian exports to the UK and reducing duties on 90% of British goods flowing to India. The breakthrough can go a long way in boosting two-way trade, with forecasts putting the present $60 billion exchange rate doubling by 2030. British sectors such as automotive and whisky are poised to gain significantly under the terms of the proposed deal.
Besides economic talks, the Prime Minister is also set to bring up security issues. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, "The matter of the presence of Khalistani extremists, groups close to these individuals, is something that we have raised with our friends in the UK."
PM Modi will also be meeting King Charles III while he is there, strengthening diplomatic relations at the top levels.
The visit follows a record of strong interaction between India and the UK. Modi and Starmer have previously met at the G20 Summit in Brazil and at the G7 Summit in June 2025. The two leaders have also had regular communication through telephone calls, affirming their commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
With major announcements imminent, the visit is set to take the India-UK relationship to new heights, embracing a common vision of economic progress, security, and international cooperation.
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