Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in the United Kingdom on 23 July, 2025, Wednesday evening, beginning the first leg of his two-nation tour. The visit has already made headlines with the signing of a major Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the U.K. on 24 July, 2025, Thursday. The deal was signed in London in the presence of PM Modi and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. It is expected to double bilateral trade from the current $60 billion to $120 billion by 2030, a move seen as a major boost for both economies.
“This agreement is not just about trade, but about shared prosperity,” said Prime Minister Modi during the signing ceremony. “It will open new doors for Indian textiles, footwear, seafood, and engineering goods in the U.K. market. At the same time, Indian consumers and businesses will gain better access to British products like medical devices at more affordable prices.” The deal is expected to boost trade by £25.5 billion every year and create new opportunities for farmers, MSMEs, and young professionals in India.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who is accompanying PM Modi on the visit, signed the agreement alongside U.K. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. Prime Minister Starmer hailed the agreement as a major success. “Our landmark trade deal with India is a major win for Britain,” he said. “It will create thousands of jobs, open new opportunities for businesses, and help grow the economy across the country.” Though official U.K. government estimates say the long-term impact on Britain’s GDP will be modest — about 0.1% or £4.8 billion annually — the political value is significant.
This is PM Modi’s fourth visit to the U.K., and part of a larger four-day trip that also includes the Maldives. He is scheduled to visit the island nation from July 25 to 26, aiming to repair ties with the new Maldivian leadership after recent diplomatic strains. The Maldives visit is being seen as a strategic step in India’s regional outreach, especially after the election of President Mohamed Muizzu, who has signalled closer ties with China. As India and the U.K. look toward a stronger future together, the newly signed trade pact signals a fresh chapter in economic cooperation, job creation, and political collaboration.
