New Delhi, July 20, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on an official visit to the United Kingdom (July 23-24) followed by a State Visit to the Maldives (July 25-26).
UK Visit (July 23-24):
- This is PM Modi’s fourth visit to the UK, invited by the new British Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer (The Right Honourable – a formal title for senior officials/knights).
- He will hold wide-ranging talks with PM Starmer on bilateral relations (ties between the two nations) covering trade, economy, tech, innovation, defence, security, climate, health, and education.
- Discussions will also cover regional and global issues.
- PM Modi is scheduled to meet His Majesty King Charles III.
- The leaders will review progress under the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) (a broad framework agreement deepening cooperation across many sectors).
Maldives Visit (July 25-26):
- Invited by President H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu (His Excellency – a diplomatic title for heads of state), this is PM Modi’s third visit to the Maldives.
- It will be the first visit by any foreign Head of State or Government since President Muizzu took office.
- PM Modi will be the ‘Guest of Honour’ (a position of high distinction) at celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of Maldives’ Independence on July 26.
- He will meet President Muizzu to discuss mutual interests and review the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership’ (a shared plan focusing on boosting trade, investment, and security cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, adopted in 2024).
- The visit underscores the importance of the Maldives, a maritime neighbour, under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy (prioritizing relations with immediate neighbouring countries) and Vision MAHASAGAR (India’s initiative promoting maritime security, sustainability, and cooperation in the Indian Ocean region).
This trip aims to strengthen India’s strategic ties with a major global partner (UK) and a key Indian Ocean neighbour (Maldives).
