New Delhi, July22,2025:High-level meetings with King Charles III and PM Keir Starmer.
Modi UK visit highlights: Agenda Unpacked
The Modi UK visit highlights encompass a packed two-day schedule, including:
- High-level meetings with King Charles III and PM Keir Starmer.
- FTA formalisation with the UK.
- Addressing national security threats caused by Khalistani extremist networks.
- Negotiation of extradition for high-profile Indian fugitives.
- Business diplomacy, including talks with UK industry leaders on trade, defence, climate, and education.
Historic Fourth Visit: Why It Matters
Modi’s visit marks his fourth trip to the UK as Prime Minister. It strengthens the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership first formalised in 2021. With bilateral trade surpassing $55 billion, and mutual FDI flows of $36 billion (UK→India) and $20 billion (India→UK), this visit cements economic momentum.
Modi UK visit highlights: FTA Close to Finish Line
A key Modi UK visit highlight is the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Vikram Misri confirmed it’s in its final “legal scrubbing” stage and expected to be signed during the visit (likely July 24). Expected benefits include:
- Boosting trade, especially in textiles, gems, leather, and engineering goods.
- Strengthening investment and defence cooperation.
- Laying groundwork for similar deals, such as with the Maldives.
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Addressing Khalistani Extremism in the UK
Another major Modi UK visit highlight is tackling the presence of Khalistani extremist elements in the UK. Misri emphasized:
“The issue of the presence of Khalistani extremists … is something that we have brought to the attention of our partners in the UK … a matter of concern not only to us, but…our partners as well,”.
This dialogue seeks joint action to protect social harmony and address violence linked to extremist propaganda.
Fugitives & Extradition Strategy
The Modi UK visit highlights also include robust discussions on the extradition of high-profile Indian fugitives in the UK:
- Lalit Modi, charged with money laundering and bid-rigging.
- Nirav Modi, accused in the ₹13,800 crore PNB fraud.
- Vijay Mallya, wanted for ₹9,000 crore in bank loan defaults.
Misri stated, “India continues to make the case…following legal process…very closely with our partners in the UK”.
Strategic Sector Cooperation
Beyond security and trade, Modi UK visit highlights include:
- Technology and research partnerships.
- Defence collaboration and joint military exercises.
- Education, innovation, and diaspora engagement—India’s 1.8 million strong living bridge.
- Strengthening energy security and climate cooperation, balancing global pressures.
A Bold Diplomatic Posture
The Modi UK visit highlights make one thing clear: India is asserting itself globally through:
- Transformative trade deals like the FTA.
- Proactive diplomacy on security threats like Khalistani extremism.
- Firm legal pressure for extradition of financial fugitives.
- Strategic investments in technology, defence, and climate.
This visit isn’t a ritual—it’s a positive, game-changing diplomatic debacle setting a bold tone for India’s global engagement.
