Overview
- The India–UK FTA, cleared by India’s Union Cabinet on July 22, seeks to eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports and cut duties on 90% of British imports, aiming to double bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030.
- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and his UK counterpart Jonathan Reynolds are set to sign the agreement on July 24 in a ceremony joined by Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer.
- Modi’s London agenda includes talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers and an audience with King Charles III to review the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across defence, technology, climate and other sectors.
- India will press the UK for tougher action against Khalistani extremist networks and seek expedited extradition of economic fugitives during discussions on bilateral security cooperation.
- After London, Modi will visit the Maldives on July 25–26 as Guest of Honour at its 60th Independence Day to review a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership and inaugurate India-funded development projects.