New Delhi
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs Ministry has given detailed information on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit. Prime Minister Modi will be on a two-day visit to the United Kingdom (UK) on July 23-24. After this, his visit to Maldives is scheduled on 25-26 July. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the UK is taking place at the invitation of PM Keer Starmer. This will be Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to the UK. Foreign Secretary Vikram Egyptian said that the yatra is definitely small, but will give the two leaders an opportunity to review the broad aspects of bilateral relations, discuss measures to strengthen it and consider issues of regional and global importance.
The Foreign Secretary said in a press conference on Tuesday that the Indo-UK partnership was upgraded as a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2021 and has been regularly having high-level political connectivity. Both sides are committed to taking this partnership to more heights.
Vikram Egyptian said, “Many UK universities are also considering opening their campus in India. There are some other facts and figures of this important relationship. In 2023-24, bilateral trade has crossed $ 55 billion. UK is the sixth largest investor in India, which has a total investment of $ 36 billion.”
Foreign Secretary Vikram Egypt also responded to the subject of Khalistan. He said, “We have been continuously bringing the issue of the presence of Khalistani extremists and organizations associated with their associates continuously and will continue to bring further. It is not only a matter of concern for us, but should also be a matter of concern for our colleagues, because it also affects social harmony and public system in their countries.”
On Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist organization TRF, the Foreign Secretary said, “The US State Department recently declared TRF a foreign terrorist organization. It is sure that our British colleagues are aware of this development, but this will give us an opportunity to share our views on issues like cross-border terrorism and such challenges.” Foreign Secretary Vikram Egyptian informed that the Prime Minister’s visit to Maldives will be on 25 and 26 July. He will go on this tour at the invitation of Maldives President Mohammad Mujju.
Vikram Misri said, “The Prime Minister’s visit to Maldives will definitely include bilateral official meetings with the President of Maldives. Some infrastructure projects will also be inaugurated.” He also said that we will also make some announcements regarding the new initiative, which will be given later.
The Foreign Secretary said, “Maldives is in our neighborhood and we have a very close partner. It is an important part of India’s ‘Neberhood First’ policy and is also part of the ocean vision, which promotes regional cooperation for safety and development. Whether in crisis, whether natural or manufactured, we have always supported the needs of Maldives. We have always supported the needs of Maldives.
He added, “On the Economic Front, India is one of the largest trading partners in Maldives. Bilateral trade is about $ 500 million. Indian investors are playing an active role in tourism and other economic activities in Maldives. Both countries are also interacting on a free trade agreement and an investment treaty.”