Besides the expected signing of the free trade agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, India will also raise the issue of Khalistani extremism and the return of fugitive economic offenders during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day official visit to the country, which starts Wednesday.
During the visit, besides discussing the whole gamut of India-UK ties with his British counterpart Keir Starmer, PM Modi is also expected to call upon King Charles III, officials said.
India and the UK had announced the conclusion of the FTA on May 6, after three years of negotiations.
India is also in discussions with Maldives for an FTA as well as an investment treaty, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Tuesday, briefing reporters on the PM’s two-nation visit.
After completing his official visit to the UK on Thursday, PM Modi will head to Maldives on a two-day state visit, where he will be the ‘Guest of Honour’ for the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the island nation on July 26.
Misri said that the issue of Khalistani extremists and related groups is a matter of concern for India, and it has been brought to the attention of partners in the UK.
Discussions have also taken place between India and the UK regarding the extradition of fugitives to India, Misri said.
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“The issue of the presence of Khalistani extremists, bodies close to these people, is something that we have brought to the attention of our partners in the UK. We will continue to do so. This is a matter of concern not only to us but should be a matter of concern to our partners as well because this impacts social cohesion and social order in these countries as well,” he said.
In response to a query on the issue of fugitives in the UK, including Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi, Misri said that there is a legal process to such requests regarding fugitives related to Indian law and India is working “very closely” with the UK on this issue.
“There is a legal process that such requests, issues go through in the other country, and we continue to follow up very closely with our partners in the UK on these matters,” he said.
Misri also listed key areas of the India-UK bilateral cooperation, saying that the partnership has seen regular high-level exchanges across sectors such as trade, investment and defence.
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This would be PM Modi’s fourth visit to the UK. The India-UK partnership was upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2021 and since then, it has seen regular high level political exchanges.
Misri added, “In the defence sector, we are seeing regular interactions and exercises amongst all three branches of the armed forces.” The two PMs will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance.
On the Maldives visit, Misri said, “On the economic front, one recent development… is that both countries are in discussions to negotiate a free trade agreement and an investment treaty as well, and new areas of cooperation, including renewable energy, fisheries, etc., are also being worked on.”
“India is one of the largest trading partners of the Maldives. The bilateral trade is nearly worth $500 million, and Indian investors remain part of sectors such as tourism in the Maldives and other economic activities,” Misri added.
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Beyond trade, Misri highlighted the flagship Greater Male Connectivity Project, which connects four islands of the Maldives, saying it is poised to transform the region’s infrastructure, while also mentioning initiatives such as social housing projects that were tailored to Male’s priorities.
“India continues to assist Maldives in building its capacity to train Maldives defence personnel, and a lot of this is done through regular training programmes and naval exercises between the two countries,” Misri noted.
Asked about the turnaround in the strained ties between New Delhi and Male last year after Maldivian officials made alleged derogatory remarks about PM Modi, Misri said the visit by the Prime Minister will further contribute to consolidating the strong ties and contribute to peace, prosperity and security in the Indian Ocean region.
PM Modi will embark on his two-nation tour of the UK and the Maldives from July 23 to July 26, the MEA had said Sunday. This will be the Prime Minister’s third visit to the Maldives and the first visit by a head of state or government to the Maldives during the Presidency of Mohamed Muizzu.