New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going on a two -day Maldives visit for the first time after Mohammad Muizu became President. He will join the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Maldives independence as the chief guest. The Prime Minister will live in Maldives on 25 and 26 July. President Mujju invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come to Maldives. On the occasion of his Independence Day, making Prime Minister Narendra Modi the chief guest indicates that the relations between Maldives and India are returning to track again. At the same time, Maldives has also realized its previous mistakes.
The purpose of this visit is to sign the Indo-Bitten Free Trade Agreement and strengthen bilateral relations. The Free Trade Agreement will pave the way for the existing US $ 60 billion by 2030 by 2030. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi will visit Britain on a two -day visit in the first phase and then visit Maldives.
Why this visit of PM Modi is important
The Prime Minister’s visit to Maldives from July 25 to 26 is considered important, as it is a symbol of restoring bilateral relations. Tension arose in the relations between the two countries after Mohammad Mujju, who is considered a pro -China, to power in November 2023. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, in the first phase of his visit, Modi will travel to Britain from 23 to 24 July and will hold extensive talks with the UK Prime Minister Care Stormer.
Sources said that during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to London, India and Britain are expected to formally sign the free trade agreement. He also said that Britain has completed the administrative process of signing the agreement. In May, India and Britain finalized the Free Trade Agreement, expecting 99 percent of Indian exports to benefit from tariffs and this will make it easier for British companies to export whiskey, cars and other products to India, as well as promoting overall trade.
After leaving the European Union, along with the largest free trade agreement (FTA) made by Britain, both sides also signed a double contribution agreement. This exempts Indian workers’ employers from giving social security contribution in Britain. According to officials, this trade agreement, which was decided after three years of talks, is expected to ensure widespread market access to Indian goods in all areas and India will benefit from removing tariffs on about 99 percent tariff line (product categories), which will cover about 100 percent of trade values.
A statement by the UK government said that Indian tariffs would be cut, which would ensure a cut in 90 percent tariff line, and 85 percent of these would be completely tariff free within a decade. Officials said bilateral trade from FTA would double the current 60 billion US dollars by 2030.
Announcing a visit to two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs said that Prime Minister Modi would hold extensive discussions on the entire aspects of the Indo-Bitten bilateral relations with Stormer, as well as exchange of views on issues of regional and global importance. This will be Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Britain.
The Ministry of External Affairs said that Prime Minister Modi is also likely to meet Maharaja Charles III. The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, “During the journey, both sides will also review the progress of comprehensive strategic partnership by paying special attention to trade and economy, technology and innovation, defense and security, climate, health, education and people.”
Modi will go from London to Maldives. He will mainly attend the ceremony to be held on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Maldives independence on 26 July. This will be Modi’s third visit to Maldives and will be the first visit of the Indian Government after taking over as President Mujju in November 2023.
Prime Minister Modi and President Mujju will discuss issues of mutual interest and will take stock of progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives joint approach for ‘comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership’. The joint approach was adopted during Mujju’s visit to India in October last year. The Ministry of External Affairs said, “This journey reflects the importance given by India to its maritime neighboring, Maldives, which holds India’s ‘neighboring first’ policy and ‘Vision Ocean’ (mutual and overall advancement for security and development in areas).” The ministry said that the journey will provide an opportunity to both sides to deepen and strengthen the close bilateral relations.