PM Modi UK Visit / PM Modi leaves for UK and Maldives visit, know why this visit is special

PM Modi UK Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for an important visit to Britain and Maldives today. The main objective of this visit is to strengthen trade, defense, education and technology cooperation with both the countries. This visit is an important step towards further deepening India's diplomatic policies and global partnerships.

UK visit: Emphasis on trade and technology

During his UK visit on July 23-24, PM Modi will hold in-depth discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The meeting will take place at Starmer's official residence Chequers, 50 km from London. During this, finalizing the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a major goal. According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, work is going on till the last moment on this agreement, and it is likely to be signed by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and his British counterpart Jonathan Reynolds. This agreement will give new impetus to economic relations between the two countries.

Apart from this, PM Modi will also meet Maharaja Charles III, which will further strengthen the historical and cultural ties between the two countries. Cooperation is also increasing in the field of education. The University of Southampton recently opened its first campus in India in Gurugram, the first campus of a foreign university under India's new education policy. Several other British institutions are also planning to set up campuses in India, which will boost educational exchanges between the two countries.

In the field of technology, India and the UK will deepen cooperation under the Technology Security Initiative (TSI). The initiative will promote partnerships in emerging areas such as telecommunications, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, semiconductors and quantum computing. This cooperation will help both countries provide global leadership in technological innovation.

Maldives visit: Focus on regional security and development

After the UK, PM Modi will visit the Maldives on July 25-26. There he will hold bilateral talks with President Mohamed Muizzu and inaugurate several development projects supported by India. PM Modi will attend the Maldives Independence Day celebrations as the chief guest on July 26. The visit will be the first state visit by a head of government after President Muizzu takes office in November 2023.

Maldives is an important part of India's 'Neighbourhood First Policy' and 'Ocean Vision'. Last year, the two countries formulated a joint vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership', which has become the cornerstone of their relationship. This visit will provide an opportunity to further strengthen India-Maldives relations and promote regional stability and prosperity.