FTA and more: What Modi's UK visit aims to achieve
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United Kingdom on July 23-24. The main agenda of his visit is to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK. This will be PM Modi's fourth visit to the UK since he took office in 2014. During his stay, he will meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III.
Trade agreement
FTA to eliminate tariffs on 99% of India's exports
The FTA will eliminate tariffs on 99% of India's exports to the UK. In return, the UK will reduce tariffs on 90% of its exports to India, including whisky and cars. This is expected to give Indian textiles an edge over competitors like Bangladesh and Vietnam. Vikram Doraiswami, India's High Commissioner to the UK, said he believes this visit will significantly boost bilateral relations. This is India's first major free trade deal outside Asia.
Diplomatic ties
India-UK relationship upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021
"The focus is really on looking at where next we can take the relationship," Doraiswami said. The India-UK relationship was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021. Since then, there have been regular high-level political exchanges between the two countries. The Technology Security Initiative, which is nearing its first anniversary, is a major indicator of the growing ties in the critical and emerging technologies sphere.
Political reset
Deal also addresses issues like Khalistani extremism
The FTA is not the sole agenda in the visit, but there is a larger political reset toward collaboration in defense and other areas. The visit will also address issues like action against fugitive economic offenders from India and the threat of Khalistani extremism, Hindustan Times reported. India's foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, has said that the presence of Khalistani extremists in the UK should concern Britain, as it impacts "social cohesion and social order" in that country too.
Security measures
UK puts tight security arrangements in place
The UK has reportedly put in place tight security arrangements to prevent any disruptions by pro-Khalistan elements during PM Modi's visit. Local security agencies have been sensitized to Indian concerns, especially after a March incident where a pro-Khalistan protester breached the security of Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and got close to his vehicle.