NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for the Maldives on Thursday night, wrapping up the UK leg of his two-nation tour. He will be on a state visit to the island nation from July 25-26 at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. During the visit, PM Modi will attend the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations as the guest of honour, a moment that also marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives. “A landmark visit to the UK concludes, elevating India-UK trade and economic ties to new heights. PM Narendra Modi emplanes for the second leg of his tour — Maldives,” the ministry of external affairs posted on X.What is on agenda? G Balasubramanian, India’s high commissioner to the Maldives, underscored the deep-rooted ties between the two countries, describing the Maldives as a key partner in India’s Neighbourhood First policy and its MAHASAGAR vision for regional security and growth. During the visit, PM Modi will meet President Muizzu and inaugurate several India-assisted development projects. Multiple MoUs are also expected to be signed during the trip, which is seen as significant in resetting ties that had strained after Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took office in November 2023. The India-Maldives joint vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,’ finalised last year, has become a guiding framework for bilateral relations.UK visit Earlier, during his UK visit from July 23-24, PM Modi met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, where the two leaders welcomed the signing of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), taking the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new level. Modi also met King Charles III at Sandringham Estate to discuss bilateral progress.