Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the United Kingdom by the end of July or early August, according to diplomatic sources. This high-profile visit is likely to mark the formal signing of the landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and further strengthen bilateral cooperation in defence and security.
Both governments are currently finalising the dates for the visit, which is poised to be a major diplomatic milestone. Although initial reports suggested that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer might visit India first, it now appears his trip will take place later this year.
Sources indicate that the long-negotiated FTA will be officially signed during PM Modi’s visit to London. Finalised in May, the deal represents a significant breakthrough after three years of talks and promises mutual economic benefits. It is expected to eliminate tariffs on nearly 99% of Indian exports to the UK, while also easing access for British products such as whisky and automobiles into the Indian market.
The trade pact is the most comprehensive agreement the UK has secured since its exit from the European Union. In addition to the FTA, the two countries also concluded a double taxation convention aimed at simplifying tax regulations and boosting investor confidence.
Prime Minister Modi hailed the agreements as a “historic milestone” that will boost trade, investment, employment, and economic cooperation. The deal ensures India gains comprehensive market access across sectors, with tariff elimination covering nearly 100% of trade value.
A statement from the UK side emphasized that Indian tariffs will be substantially reduced—cutting 90% of tariff lines, with 85% of those becoming fully tariff-free within the next ten years.
India has remained the UK’s second-largest source of investment projects for the fifth year in a row (2023-24), further underscoring the strength of economic ties between the two nations.
Alongside the economic focus, PM Modi’s visit is also expected to deepen cooperation in defence and security. Discussions may include progress on the Technology Security Initiative (TSI)—a key bilateral framework agreed upon in July last year.
The TSI outlines a strategic collaboration in areas such as telecom, critical minerals, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence. It aims to enhance resilience in supply chains, bolster innovation, and build a robust semiconductor partnership through shared research and incentives.
This broader cooperation falls under the India-UK Roadmap 2030, which sets an ambitious agenda to elevate the strategic partnership in coming years.
PM Modi’s visit, therefore, could serve as a cornerstone in redefining India-UK relations—blending trade, technology, and strategic alignment in a post-Brexit, post-pandemic global order.
