Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for the Maldives on Thursday, concluding the first leg of his two-nation tour. He is visiting the Maldives at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu from July 25 to 26.
During his visit, the Prime Minister will participate as the Guest of Honour at the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives. His visit also marks the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives diplomatic relations.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi concluded a successful visit to the United Kingdom, where he met with his UK counterpart, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, at Chequers, the official country residence of the British Prime Minister. Both leaders welcomed the signing of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which is expected to enhance bilateral trade, investment, and job creation.
They also agreed to negotiate a Double Contribution Convention to ease cross-border business and boost competitiveness in the service sector.
The two sides adopted the India-UK Vision 2035, aimed at guiding the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership over the next decade in sectors including technology, education, defence, and climate action.
The leaders finalised a Defence Industrial Roadmap to strengthen cooperation in co-design, co-development, and co-production of defence products. They also discussed enhanced collaboration under the Technology and Security Initiative, covering areas such as telecom, critical minerals, semiconductors, and biotechnology.
PM Modi and PM Starmer welcomed the growing education partnership under India’s New Education Policy (NEP), with six UK universities planning to establish campuses in India. The University of Southampton has already inaugurated its campus in Gurugram.
Prime Minister Modi thanked the UK for its support following the Pahalgam terror attack and reiterated the need for strong action against extremism. He also sought cooperation in bringing back economic fugitives facing legal action in India.
Global and regional developments, including the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, were also discussed. PM Modi extended an invitation to Prime Minister Starmer to visit India at a mutually convenient time.
Following his meeting with the UK Prime Minister, PM Modi called on His Majesty King Charles III at Sandringham Estate. The two leaders discussed shared interests in health, sustainability, and climate change. The Prime Minister presented a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign to be planted in the estate during the upcoming season.
(ANI)