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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Wednesday begin his official visit to the UK with focus on a wide range of issues, including a free trade deal. The Prime Minister is embarking on a two-nation four-day visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives today.
According to sources, the Prime Minister is expected to sign the free trade agreement with the UK during his visit to London on Thursday. The cabinet gave its go ahead to the bilateral trade pact, officially called as Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, on Tuesday. The negotiation for the trade deal between India and the UK that began in 2022 concluded on May 6 this year with PM Modi describing it as “ambitious and mutually beneficial”.
Khalistanis, fugitive leaders on agenda
Besides, PM Modi is also expected to hold discussion with his UK counterpart Keir Starmer on issues including growing presence of Khalistani groups in the country and the extradition of fugitives. The Prime Minister is likely to discuss the extradition of fugitives wanted in India on financial charges including Lalit Modi, Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya.
"There are a few questions related to fugitives from Indian law and Indian justice in the UK. These have been a matter of discussion between both sides, and we have continued to make the case for these fugitives to be rendered to India," said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
Other global issues
The meeting will also focus on the full range of India-UK relations and on issues that affect the region and the world, according to Misri. “During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold wide ranging discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the entire gamut of India-U.K. bilateral relations. They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in the official announcement. During the visit PM Modi is also scheduled to meet King Charles III.
