NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a two-nation visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to 26, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) announced on Sunday. The visit aims to bolster India’s economic, strategic and regional partnerships with both countries.PM Modi will be in the UK on July 23 and 24 at the invitation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This marks his fourth visit to the country and his first since 2018.

According to the MEA, PM Modi will hold wide-ranging discussions with Starmer covering trade, defence, climate, innovation, and education. He is also expected to call on King Charles III.

Also Read: ‘Don’t mess with India’: Amit Shah hails PM Modi over Op SindoorDuring this visit, India and the UK are expected to formally sign the long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which had been agreed upon in principle earlier this May after nearly three years of negotiations. The deal is likely to eliminate or reduce tariffs on about 99% of Indian exports and provide greater access to the Indian market for British products including whisky, automobiles and financial services.From London, PM Modi will head to the Maldives on July 25 and 26 for a state visit at the invitation of Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. He will be the guest of honour at the country’s 60th Independence Day celebrations on July 26, becoming the first foreign head of state or government to visit during President Muizzu’s term.PM Modi and President Muizzu will hold talks on strengthening the India-Maldives partnership. The two leaders will also review progress on the Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,’ adopted during Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2024.The visit comes as both nations look to rebuild ties following a dip in relations over the ‘India Out’ campaign backed by certain elements in the current Maldivian government. The MEA noted that the visit underscores India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, reaffirming its strategic focus on the Indian Ocean region.PM Modi’s overseas tour will take place during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which is scheduled to begin on July 21.