PM Modi receives warm welcome from Indian diaspora in London; historic India-UK FTA, meet with British counterpart Starmer on agenda

PM Narendra Modi interacting with the Indian community in the UK upon his arrival in London. (Courtesy: X | @narendramodi)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received from the Indian community as he arrived in London for his two-day UK visit. He said he was touched by the warm welcome. One of the key highlights of the Prime Minister's visit would be the signing of the landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and UK.

"Their affection and passion towards India's progress is truly heartening," PM Modi said in a post on X sharing some pictures.

Touched by the warm welcome from the Indian community in the UK. Their affection and passion towards India’s progress is truly heartening. pic.twitter.com/YRdLcNTWSS

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2025

The Prime Minister is expected to meet his British counterpart Keir Starmer King Charles III during his visit. He referred to UK as a country with which India's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has achieved significant momentum in the last few years.

Asserting that a strong India-UK friendship is essential for global progress, PM Modi said, "This visit will go a long way in advancing the economic partnership between our nations. The focus will be on furthering prosperity, growth and boosting job creation for our people."

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a major trade deal, the negotiations of which began in January 2022 under then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He had aimed to finish the talks by Diwali that year. However, after multiple delays, the deal was finally concluded in May 2025, with PM Modi terming it a 'historic deal'.

The FTA between India and the UK is set to give a major boost to Indian exports. Nearly 99% of Indian goods sent to the UK will now enjoy zero-duty access. This will eliminate existing tariffs that range from 4% to 16%, especially benefiting sectors like textiles, leather, footwear, toys, marine products, gems and jewellery, and engineering goods, including auto components and electric vehicles.

British PM Starmer said that the landmark FTA that he is set to sign with his Indian counterpart is a 'major win' for jobs and growth, as tariff cuts bring in cheaper prices on clothes, shoes and food products. He also announced that nearly GBP 6 billion in new investment and export developments had been clinched as Indian firms expand their operations in the UK and British companies secure new business opportunities in India.

PM Modi and his British counterpart are also set to sign a renewed Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership, which will see closer collaboration on defence, education, climate, technology and innovation.

“Our landmark trade deal with India is a major win for Britain. It will create thousands of British jobs across the UK, unlock new opportunities for businesses and drive growth in every corner of the country, delivering on our Plan for Change,” added Starmer.