Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in London on Wednesday for a two-day official visit to the United Kingdom, marking the first leg of his two-nation tour. Upon arrival, he received a warm welcome from members of the Indian community in London.
Expressing gratitude for the heartfelt reception, PM Modi said on social media platform X: “Touched by the warm welcome from the Indian community in the UK. Their affection and passion towards India's progress is truly heartening.”
The highlight of PM Modi’s visit is the much-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK. During his visit, the Prime Minister is set to meet his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, along with other key leaders to advance discussions on bilateral cooperation, with the FTA high on the agenda.
Ahead of the visit, PM Modi emphasized the strength of India-UK relations, noting: “India and the UK share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that has made significant strides in recent years. Our collaboration spans sectors such as trade, investment, technology, defence, education, sustainability, and health.”
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer underscored the importance of the proposed trade deal, describing it as a major economic milestone. “The UK-India FTA will create thousands of British jobs, unlock new opportunities for businesses, and drive growth,” he said, adding that the agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually.
Starmer also highlighted that the deal would pave the way for a “new vision” for 2035 and strengthen defence cooperation between the two nations.
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