In a landmark diplomatic success, Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day official visit to the United Kingdom on Thursday, delivering a breakthrough that promises to reshape India-UK relations for generations. The visit was marked by high-level engagements, historic agreements, and deep strategic dialogue, all pointing to a bold new phase in bilateral ties grounded in shared prosperity and mutual respect.
The centrepiece of the visit was the signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), hailed as a “landmark deal” by both governments. Held at Chequers, the official country residence of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the summit featured a comprehensive review of the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation. The two leaders also explored regional and global issues of mutual interest, deepening the foundation for long-term collaboration.
“Concluding a very important UK visit. The outcomes of this visit will benefit our future generations and contribute to shared growth and prosperity. Gratitude to the PM Keir Starmer, the UK government and people for their warmth,” said Prime Minister Modi in a post on social media following the visit.
Concluding a very important UK visit. The outcomes of this visit will benefit our future generations and contribute to shared growth and prosperity. Gratitude to the PM Keir Starmer, the UK Government and people for their warmth. Here are highlights from the visit…… pic.twitter.com/nUaiGh9DNc
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025
On his part, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer underlined the transformative potential of the pact. “A landmark deal with India means jobs, investment and growth here in the UK. It creates thousands of British jobs, unlocks new opportunities for businesses and puts money in the pockets of working people. That’s our Plan for Change in action,” he shared on X.
Landmark FTA Unlocks Trade Boom, Safeguards Indian Interests, and Boosts Global Competitiveness
The Free Trade Agreement, signed in the presence of both leaders, is set to double the current $60 billion bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030 and push it further to $160 billion by 2040. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal described the agreement as a “fantastic” win for India, securing access to UK markets while protecting key Indian sectors.
According to Goyal, the FTA ensures full protection for India’s sensitive domains, including dairy, rice, sugar, edible oils, and apples, with no concessions granted for oats either. At the same time, it opens unprecedented opportunities for Indian exports in labour-intensive sectors like textiles, leather, footwear, toys, furniture, and pharmaceuticals, all of which will now enjoy zero tariffs in the UK.
“Over 95% of Indian agricultural and processed food products, including fruits, vegetables, cereals, pickles, spice mixes, and ready-to-eat meals, will now face zero import duties in the UK,” Goyal revealed. This reduction in landed cost is expected to boost Indian exports significantly and enhance global competitiveness.
Indian staples such as turmeric, pepper, cardamom, and processed goods like mango pulp and pulses, as well as marine exports like shrimp and tuna, are set to gain duty-free access. Officials project a 20% surge in agri exports over the next three years, directly contributing to India’s ambitious goal of $100 billion in agri-exports by 2030 and increasing rural income.
The talks with PM Keir Starmer were outstanding, particularly in the wake of the successful signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. In addition to economic cooperation, this agreement sets the stage for boosting shared prosperity. @Keir_Starmer… pic.twitter.com/PQD1f2zu2M
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025
The UK Prime Minister’s Office also acknowledged the wide-ranging benefits of the agreement. “The leaders celebrated the landmark UK-India Free Trade Agreement, which was signed today and will see growth in every part of the country, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change,” said 10 Downing Street in a statement.
Piyush Goyal confirmed that the cabinet in India had approved the FTA ahead of the visit, while the UK side will undergo parliamentary processes. “With this certainty, now the industries and businesses can begin their planning and ready their supply chains, work on approvals and ordering… Due to a bipartisan support between both sides, I think it will be approved soon and implemented too,” he added.
Security, Extremism and Law Enforcement Cooperation Take Centre Stage
Beyond trade, the visit touched on crucial security and diplomatic concerns. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that terrorism was a key topic in the talks. PM Modi thanked Prime Minister Starmer for the UK’s support after the Pahalgam attack. Both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to jointly combat terrorism, extremism, and radicalisation. Modi also urged British assistance in extraditing fugitives wanted under Indian law.
Misri also revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the UK’s National Crime Agency to enhance cooperation on tackling corruption, serious fraud, and organised crime. He stated that both countries reaffirmed their opposition to illegal migration and would collaborate closely on repatriating illegal immigrants.
The leaders also addressed the threat posed by extremist elements that have been targeting Indian diplomatic missions. Misri noted that India shared its concerns over the rising activity of such groups, which continue to incite violence against Indian leaders and diplomats. The UK has offered cooperation in this regard, he said.
Vision 2035, Business Synergy, and Royal Diplomacy Anchor Long-Term Strategic Ties
Setting the stage for the future, Modi and Starmer jointly unveiled the “India-UK Vision 2035,” a roadmap aimed at elevating the strategic partnership across sectors such as economic growth, technological innovation, defence, clean energy, education, and cultural exchange. “In order to infuse higher ambition and renewed momentum… both leaders today adopted the India-UK Vision 2035 document… with a focused and time-bound program of action,” Misri added.
Following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the two Prime Ministers met with top business leaders from both nations. Industry representatives from a wide array of sectors, ranging from gems and jewellery to engineering goods and cutting-edge technology, were present. They encouraged businesses to seize the immense opportunities unlocked by CETA, and toured an exhibition highlighting India’s innovation and production capabilities.
The visit also featured an audience with King Charles III at the royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Modi presented the British monarch with a rare Sonoma dove tree sapling as part of his environmental campaign, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,” which encourages people to plant a tree in honour of their mothers.
The British royal family shared on X that King Charles III received PM Modi at Sandringham House on Thursday afternoon. During the meeting, the King was presented with a tree to be planted this autumn, inspired by PM Modi’s environmental initiative.
This afternoon, The King received the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, @NarendraModi, at Sandringham House. 🇮🇳
During their time together, His Majesty was given a tree to be planted this Autumn, inspired by the environmental initiative launched by the Prime Minister, “Ek… pic.twitter.com/9nhigoCgkw
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 24, 2025
“Had a very good meeting with His Majesty King Charles III. We discussed different aspects of India-UK relations, including the ground covered in trade and investment in the wake of CETA and Vision 2035. Other subjects of discussion included education, health and wellness, particularly Yoga and Ayurveda, which are subjects His Majesty is very passionate about. We also talked about environmental protection and sustainability,” PM Modi shared on social media.
Strengthening Strategic Ties and Shared Resolve as PM Modi Departs for Maldives
Both Prime ministers also shared sympathies over the recent Air India plane crash, expressing support for the families of victims. Downing Street noted the emotional significance of the moment and the UK’s ongoing support for those affected by the tragedy.
As a mark of the strengthening relationship, Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to Prime Minister Starmer to visit India. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the invitation has been accepted, and diplomatic teams on both sides will coordinate the visit soon.
India and the UK are connected by a shared passion for cricket. At Chequers, PM Keir Starmer and I interacted with players from Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs. Great to see sport fostering people-to-people ties between our nations.
Also gave my young friends a bat signed… pic.twitter.com/0Vdmt0dQ6P
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025
With a tightly packed diplomatic schedule executed in just over 48 hours, the visit underscored India’s rising global stature and Modi’s ability to conduct high-level engagements that deliver long-term dividends. As PM Modi departed for the Maldives on the second leg of his two-nation tour, India and the UK stood poised for a future of deeper cooperation, trade expansion, and strategic alignment.
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