Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in London on Thursday for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between India and the United Kingdom. Soon after landing, PM Modi announced that the visit would focus on deepening cooperation between the two nations.
In a tweet, he said, "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."
Landed in London.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2025
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. pic.twitter.com/HWoXAE9dyp
Free Trade Agreement Takes Center Stage
The highlight of PM Modi’s visit will be the formal signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK. Both countries finalized the deal on May 6, and it is expected to be signed during the visit by Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, ahead of his meeting with Modi, praised the agreement. He said, "Our landmark trade deal with India is a major win for Britain."
The FTA is expected to provide significant tariff benefits for India. Nearly 99% of Indian exports will receive tariff relief under the deal. At the same time, British companies will get easier access to the Indian market, especially for exporting whisky, cars, and other goods.
Bilateral Meeting and Strategic Partnership Review
During the visit, PM Modi will hold talks with PM Starmer to review India-UK bilateral relations. Discussions will cover the progress made under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
Key areas on the agenda include:
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Trade and economy
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Technology and defence
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Climate and health cooperation
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Educational ties
PM Modi is also expected to be hosted at Chequers, the official countryside residence of the British Prime Minister located about 50 kilometers from London.
Meeting with King Charles and Maldives Visit
Apart from his meeting with Starmer, PM Modi will also meet King Charles III during his stay in the UK. After wrapping up the UK visit, he will travel to the Maldives on July 25–26 for the next leg of his diplomatic tour.
Warm Reception from Indian Community
After landing in London, PM Modi met with members of the Indian community who had gathered to greet him. Many expressed happiness and excitement over meeting the Prime Minister.
One member of the Indian diaspora, Gehna Gautam, told ANI, "I just met the PM. He walked past us. It was a surreal moment. I got to shake my hand. He is so dynamic... It was an amazing experience."
Another member, Bhavya, shared, "The Prime Minister shook my hand and gave me 'Ashirwad'. It was the best feeling ever..."
Several members of the Dawoodi Bohra community also came to meet the PM. One said, "As Dawoodi Bohras, we are very proud of the relationship that the Prime Minister has with our community. He's been a friend of our community for many years. And as a proud Dawoodi Bohra and as a British citizen, we welcome him to the UK and look forward to meeting him..."
Touched by the warm welcome from the Indian community in the UK. Their affection and passion towards India’s progress is truly heartening. pic.twitter.com/YRdLcNTWSS
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2025
Official Welcome at Airport
Catherine West, the UK’s Foreign Office Minister for the Indo-Pacific, welcomed PM Modi at the airport. She was joined by Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami and British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron.