India (Commonwealth Union)_ Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in London on the evening of July 23 on his fourth visit to the United Kingdom since taking office in 2014. The two‑day visit took place from July 23 to 24. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the Prime Minister traveled to the UK at the personal invitation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Accordingly, Catherine West, UK Foreign Office Minister in Charge of the Indo-Pacific, welcomed the prime minister at the airport, along with Vikram Doraiswami, Indian High Commissioner to the UK, and Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to New Delhi. At the top of the agenda is the clearing of a long‑pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK. As such, India and the UK have now signed the final FTA agreement in London on July 24, a milestone deal expected to reshape bilateral trade relations.
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A warm welcome from the Indian diaspora
When Prime Minister Modi arrived in central London and reached his hotel, he met hundreds of members of the Indian diaspora. The air was filled with loud chants of “Modi, Modi,” “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” and “Vande Mataram.” Many wore traditional Indian dress. Dhol players performed, and supporters waved welcome posters. The energy was palpable and deeply emotional. The crowd expressed appreciation for his international leadership and commitment to India’s rise on the world stage. After landing in London, the Prime Minister posted a message on X, expressing heartfelt thanks to the diaspora for their generous welcome. He stated that their devotion and dedication to India’s progress had been “truly heartening.” Many people shared his sentiment, emphasizing the strong emotional bond they have with their homeland. India’s economic presence in the UK is very strong. Indian investments in Britain are worth nearly USD 20 billion. Around 1,000 Indian firms operate across the country, together employing nearly 100,000 people.
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Modi meets Starmer and business leaders
The historic signing of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) during a high-level business event on Thursday was held in the presence of Prime Minister Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Senior business leaders from both nations gathered to witness the opening of what is being hailed as a watershed moment in economic relations. Modi and Starmer hailed the tremendous growth of bilateral trade and investment. They urged industry executives to take the opportunity presented by the new trade agreement. Both presidents underlined their commitment to strengthening economic connections between India and the UK. Additionally, at the event, they toured an exhibition showcasing flagship products and technological advances, from consumer goods, gems and jewelry, and engineering solutions to advanced tech innovations. Furthermore, defense collaboration was also discussed. Both parties emphasized the increased frequency of joint drills and strategic exchanges between each country’s army, navy, and air force.
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Royal visit: Modi meets King Charles III
Prime Minister Modi also paid a visit to His Majesty King Charles III at Sandringham Estate, the King’s summer residence. The conversation touched on several themes, including health, sustainable living, and age‑old wellness systems such as Ayurveda and yoga. Both leaders expressed strong support for promoting these traditional practices globally. Modi conveyed his wishes on the King’s improved health and return to public duties. The talks also covered climate change, sustainability, and strengthening cooperation via the Commonwealth framework. The two leaders hailed the newly signed CETA as a key catalyst for boosting the India‑UK partnership. In a symbolic gesture, Modi gifted a sapling to the King as part of India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” mission. The sapling is set to be planted at Sandringham in the autumn, underscoring a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.
Signing the India-UK Free Trade Agreement
India and the UK finalized the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement on Thursday. This sweeping free trade deal significantly expands access for goods and services between the two countries. It is the largest trade pact the UK has finalized since exiting the European Union. During a joint press briefing, Prime Minister Modi hailed the signing as a historic moment in bilateral relations. He remarked, “Today marks a historic day in our bilateral relationship. I am pleased to note that, after many years of hard work, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between our two countries has been concluded.”
According to Prime Minister Starmer, CETA is “the biggest trade deal since the UK left the European Union.” He added, “We both know this is the biggest and most significant trade deal that the UK has made since leaving the EU. I think I can say this is the most comprehensive deal India has ever done. So thank you, Prime Minister, for your leadership and your pragmatism. I’d like to thank everybody who has worked so hard to get this deal over the line.” He emphasized that the agreement is expected to lift wages, reduce tariff costs, and improve living standards across Britain.
The historic deal was signed by India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and the UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds. Goyal termed the pact a “win‑win” for flagship Indian initiatives like “Make in India” and “Vocal for Local.” He explained that the trade deal would enhance employment and strengthen India’s strategic status in global trade, especially benefitting artisans, weavers, and workers in the textiles, leather, gems, jewelry, toys, and seafood sectors. He extended congratulations to Modi, Starmer, and the people of both countries on this landmark achievement. The FTA aims to elevate bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030.
A growing relationship
Trade between India and the United Kingdom is already booming. In 2024, bilateral trade totaled USD 53.75 billion, with around USD 32.5 billion in Indian exports and USD 21.25 billion in imports. Goods commerce accounted for almost USD 22.5 billion, while services reached roughly USD 31.25 billion. Investment flows are also significant. As of September 2024, the UK was India’s sixth-largest inbound investor, with a total equity investment of USD 35 billion. In March 2024, Indian investments in the UK totaled roughly USD 19 billion. Nearly 971 Indian enterprises operate in the UK, employing over 100,000 people. Meanwhile, 667 British firms operate in India, employing over 500,000 people.
Wrapping up the visit
Prime Minister Modi’s brief but productive visit wrapped up on July 24, leaving behind a legacy of stronger trade and diplomatic bonds. The signing of CETA and the broad high‑level engagements have set a new path for India‑UK cooperation. Following the conclusion of his UK trip, the Prime Minister continued his overseas journey. India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, tweeted, “A landmark visit to the UK concludes, elevating the India‑Great Britain trade and economic ties to new heights. PM @narendramodi emplanes for the second leg of his tour—Maldives.” Modi will visit the Maldives from July 25 to 26 at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu.
