New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is embarking on a significant two-nation diplomatic tour, visiting the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to 26, 2025, to strengthen strategic partnerships and regional cooperation.

The first leg of his tour takes PM Modi to the UK on July 23-24, at the invitation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This marks Modi's fourth visit to the UK. Discussions are expected to inject new momentum into the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), with a particular focus on reviewing progress and charting new areas of cooperation, including the highly anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to be formally signed. Talks will encompass trade, economy, technology, innovation, defence, security, climate, health, education, and people-to-people ties. PM Modi is also scheduled to call on King Charles III during his stay.

Following his UK visit, PM Modi will undertake a state visit to the Maldives from July 25-26, at the invitation of Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. This will be PM Modi’s third visit to the island nation and notably, the first by any head of state or government during President Muizzu's tenure, signifying renewed efforts to rebuild ties. The leaders will assess the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,’ which was adopted during President Muizzu's visit to India in October 2024. A key highlight of this visit will be PM Modi's role as the Guest of Honour at the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations on July 26.

This high-profile diplomatic engagement underscores India’s commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, reaffirming its strategic interests and global outreach, especially in the Indian Ocean region. Discussions in the Maldives are expected to cover infrastructure development, defence cooperation, and economic connectivity, with a specific focus also on strengthening bilateral security partnerships to counter illicit drug trade in the Indian Ocean Region.

With inputs from IANS