PM Modi Begins Two-Day UK Visit to Boost India-UK Trade and Strategic Ties

·  PM Modi begins two-day official visit to the UK to strengthen bilateral ties

·  Talks with UK PM Keir Starmer to focus on trade, jobs, and economic growth

·  India-UK FTA aims to boost bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in London on Wednesday, beginning a two-day official trip to the United Kingdom as part of his two-country tour. The trip is geared towards strengthening the India-UK bilateral relationship, with specific emphasis on clinching the much-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

During his visit, PM Modi will be meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss new economic cooperation and job creation opportunities between both countries.

“Landed in London. This visit will go a long way in advancing the economic partnership between our nations. The focus will be on furthering prosperity, growth and boosting job creation for our people. A strong India-UK friendship is essential for global progress,” PM Modi shared on X following his arrival in the UK capital.

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This is his fourth trip to the United Kingdom since assuming office, following earlier visits in 2015, 2018, and 2021 the last for the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow.

In his farewell letter, PM Modi underscored India and the UK's relationship as having evolved into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2021, and that has resulted in deeper collaboration in major areas like trade, investment, technology, defence, innovation, education, environment, health, and people-to-people links.

The current negotiations for an FTA between the two nations are anticipated to cut tariffs on trade between them substantially or even cut them out, increasing competitiveness of goods and services. After signing, the agreement could increase annual trade to USD 120 billion by 2030, which would be a giant step towards India-UK economic engagement.