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India-UK Ties on Strong Footing Ahead of PM Modi’s UK Visit, Says Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri

New Delhi: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his upcoming visit to the United Kingdom, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri underscored the deepening economic and defence cooperation between the two nations, calling the relationship “mutually beneficial and forward-looking.”

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Misri highlighted the growing trade and investment ties, noting that bilateral trade between India and the UK had surged to over $55 billion in the fiscal year 2023–24. “The UK is also the sixth largest investor in India, with cumulative investment of $36 billion, and interestingly, India itself is a large source of foreign direct investment in the UK, with a cumulative investment of close to $20 billion,” he said.

The visit is expected to focus on strengthening key pillars of the strategic partnership, including the ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, which have entered their final stages. Officials on both sides have expressed optimism about concluding the deal soon.

Foreign Secretary Misri also emphasised enhanced defence cooperation, saying, “In the defence sector, we are seeing regular interactions and exercises amongst all three branches of the armed forces.” India and the UK have conducted joint naval, air, and army drills in recent years, signalling growing military engagement.

The Prime Minister’s visit is likely to include high-level meetings with British leadership, Indian diaspora outreach, and the signing of new MoUs in trade, technology, and climate action.

The UK and India have been strategic partners under the India-UK Roadmap 2030, with a shared vision for closer collaboration in areas such as innovation, health, education, and defence.

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