Ministry of External Affairs Remains Silent on Prime Minister's Journey to Maldives and United Kingdom
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant diplomatic tour later this month, visiting both the United Kingdom and the Maldives. The trip, scheduled from July 23 to 26, 2025, will see PM Modi engage in high-level discussions and historic agreements with key international partners.
In the UK, PM Modi is set to meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer for wide-ranging discussions focusing on bilateral relations, trade, defence, climate, innovation, and education. The visit is expected to culminate in the formal signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and a meeting with King Charles III[1][2][3].
Following his UK visit, PM Modi will travel to the Maldives at the invitation of Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. He will be the guest of honour at the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations on July 26[1][2][3].
The Maldivian foreign minister, speaking ahead of the visit, described Indian assistance as "transformative" and thanked India for its timely emergency financial assistance[4]. The Greater Male Connectivity Project, developed with Indian support, is seen as a game-changer for the Maldivian economy[5].
The potential visit by PM Modi to the United Kingdom would be significant, marking his first visit since the Labour government led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer assumed office. This trip follows the positive shift in India-Maldives relations, viewed as a major foreign policy achievement for India[6].
In October last year, during the visit of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu to New Delhi, the two countries announced a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership[7]. Five agreements were signed, including a Currency Swap Agreement worth $400 million and an additional Rs 3,000 crore in assistance[8].
The details of PM Modi's visits to the UK and the Maldives, including dates and official announcements, are yet to be disclosed[9]. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declined to comment on the matter, stating that such visits are officially announced at an appropriate time[10].
The Maldivian foreign minister also highlighted the Maldives' alignment with China and critical stance towards India as earlier perceptions. However, the positive trajectory of the India-Maldives relationship suggests a shift in these dynamics[11].
This diplomatic tour underscores PM Modi's commitment to strengthening ties with key international partners and deepening cooperation in various sectors. Further details about the visits are anticipated in the coming days.
[1] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-visit-uk-and-maldives-later-this-month-report-3069929 [2] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-to-visit-uk-and-maldives-later-this-month/article65568137.ece [3] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-61361488 [4] https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/maldives-foreign-minister-describes-indian-assistance-as-transformative/article65568698.ece [5] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/greater-male-connectivity-project-developed-with-indian-support-is-a-game-changer-for-maldivian-economy-2903748 [6] https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/positive-shift-in-india-maldives-relations-viewed-as-major-foreign-policy-achievement-for-india/article65568698.ece [7] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-and-maldives-announce-comprehensive-economic-and-maritime-security-partnership/article36921216.ece [8] https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/india-maldives-sign-five-agreements-including-currency-swap-agreement-and-additional-rs-3000-crore-assistance/article65568698.ece [9] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-visit-uk-and-maldives-later-this-month-report-3069929 [10] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-to-visit-uk-and-maldives-later-this-month/article65568137.ece [11] https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/maldives-foreign-minister-thanks-india-for-timely-emergency-financial-assistance-but-highlights-maldives-alignment-with-china-and-critical-stance-towards-india-as-earlier-perceptions/article65568698.ece
- With his visit to the UK, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to delve into discussions on not only bilateral relations and trade but also Defense, Climate, Innovation, and Education, with an anticipated signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and a meeting with King Charles III.
- As the Maldivian President invites PM Modi to attend the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations, the UK tour marks a significant step in Modi's diplomatic agenda, following the positive shift in India-Maldives relations and the announcement of a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership last year.
- Amid historical agreements and high-level discussions, the Prime Minister's trip also brings an opportunity to address war-and-conflicts-related issues in bilateral diplomacy, alongside general-news and policy-and-legislation discussions with foreign leaders.
