Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks with his British counterpart Keir Starmer today. The talks will be held at Chequers, the official country residence of British Prime Minister, which is located 50 km northwest of London. The wide-ranging talks are expected to focus on imparting a new momentum in the strategic ties between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in UK last night on a two-day visit to expand the bilateral ties in areas of defence, trade and technology. Formalisation of the landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is set to be a major outcome of Mr Modi’s visit. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and his British counterpart Jonathan Reynolds will sign the FTA in the presence of the two prime ministers today. The trade deal, firmed up after three years of negotiations, is expected to ensure comprehensive market access for Indian goods across all sectors and India will gain from tariff elimination on about 99 percent of product categories covering almost 100 percent of the trade values.
When Mr Modi reached at the place of his stay, he was welcomed with much enthusiasm by the Indian diaspora waiting to see him. The Prime Minister shook hands with many as the crowd cheered him as the cultural troops played music of different states of India. Some of the persons including women got emotional as well seeing Mr Modi face to face.
He also met the winners of ‘Know India Program’. People from all age groups were excited to see him.
After having an interaction with Mr Starmer on wide-ranging issues to further enhance the economic partnership, aimed at fostering prosperity, growth and jobs creation in both countries. Signing of the FTA will further strengthen the historical relations between both the countries. Later in the evening, Mr. Modi will call upon King Charles III as well. Rajesh Bali, Akashvani News, London.
From London, Mr Modi will travel to the Maldives tomorrow at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu in the second leg of his two-nation visit. Prime Minister Modi will be the ‘Guest of Honour’ at the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Independence of Maldives on Saturday.
Mr Modi will hold talks with President Muizzu and inaugurate infrastructure projects. Maldives is a very important partner in India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.
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