Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to 26, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Sunday. The two-nation tour underscores India’s growing diplomatic engagement with key global and regional partners.
According to the MEA, the visit to the UK comes at the invitation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This will mark PM Modi’s fourth official visit to the United Kingdom. During his stay, the Indian Prime Minister will engage in wide-ranging talks with his UK counterpart, covering all aspects of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). The dialogue is expected to focus on trade and economy, defence cooperation, technological innovation, health, climate change, education, and people-to-people ties.
PM Modi is also scheduled to call on King Charles III, further reinforcing the longstanding India-UK relations. Both nations are expected to exchange views on pressing regional and global issues.
In the second leg of his tour, Prime Minister Modi will undertake a state visit to the Maldives on July 25 and 26, at the invitation of Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. This will be his third visit to the island nation and notably, the first by any Head of State or Government during President Muizzu’s term.
A key highlight of the visit will be PM Modi’s role as the ‘Guest of Honour’ at the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives on July 26, a symbolic gesture reflecting deepening ties between the two maritime neighbours.
During his visit, PM Modi and President Muizzu will review the progress made under the 'India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership', which was adopted during the Maldivian President’s state visit to India in October 2024.
The MEA emphasized that the visit reaffirms India’s steadfast commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and its broader maritime vision — ‘MAHASAGAR’. It is expected to further strengthen the close and multifaceted bilateral ties between India and the Maldives.
The visit is seen as a strategic step in fortifying India’s relations with both global powers and vital neighbours in the Indian Ocean region.