PM Modi Concludes Strategic Visits to UK and Maldives

 

July 26, 2025 | New Delhi – The Global Daily

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded a four-day diplomatic tour to the United Kingdom and Maldives, aimed at strengthening strategic, economic, and regional partnerships. The visit, which took place from July 23 to 26, marked Modi’s first international engagement after his government’s latest cabinet reshuffle and came at a time of shifting alliances in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia.

Modi’s first stop was in London, where he was received with full ceremonial honors at 10 Downing Street by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The two leaders held extensive bilateral discussions, focusing on defense cooperation, artificial intelligence, green energy collaboration, and the long-delayed India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). While no final deal was announced, both sides expressed optimism and agreed to “accelerate negotiations” with an aim to finalize the FTA before the end of the year. In a joint statement, Starmer praised India’s role in stabilizing the global economy and reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to deepening ties with what he called “a vital democratic partner.”

During his UK visit, Modi also met with British business leaders and Indian diaspora groups. He addressed a packed crowd at Wembley Arena, where he emphasized India’s growing role as a global innovation hub and assured overseas Indians of his government’s commitment to their welfare and connectivity with their homeland.

From London, Modi flew directly to Malé, capital of the Maldives, where he was received by President Mohamed Muizzu. The visit to Maldives carried significant geopolitical weight, as India looks to reassert its influence in the Indian Ocean region amid increased Chinese presence. Modi inaugurated a new coastal radar station and announced fresh lines of credit for infrastructure, healthcare, and maritime security. In a joint press briefing, both leaders underscored the importance of maintaining peace, security, and sustainable development in the region.

The Maldives leg of the visit also marked a subtle thawing of tensions between the two nations after months of diplomatic strain. In a symbolic move, the two countries signed multiple MoUs covering areas such as renewable energy, cultural exchange, and digital cooperation. Modi also met with opposition leaders and civil society representatives, reinforcing India’s support for democratic values and regional stability.

Back in New Delhi, government sources called the tour “an important reaffirmation of India’s global stature,” noting that both visits highlighted the country’s commitment to fostering inclusive partnerships while safeguarding strategic interests. Opposition parties, however, criticized the timing of the visit, pointing to ongoing domestic concerns including inflation and rural unrest.

As Modi returns to India, analysts suggest the tour has laid the groundwork for deeper trilateral cooperation between India, the UK, and Indo-Pacific allies. Whether these meetings will yield concrete policy outcomes remains to be seen, but the optics and intent were clear: India is actively positioning itself as a global leader in diplomacy, development, and defense.