Modi's UK-Maldives Tour: FTA, Strategic Ties, Khalistan And Fugitives Issue On Agenda

India is likely to raise the issue of Khalistani extremists and the return of fugitive economic offenders with the United Kingdom, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day official visit to the country where he will be signing the free trade agreement (FTA).

In what will be Modi’s fourth visit to the UK, which is to begin on Wednesday, he is also expected to call upon King Charles III, alongside meeting with his British counterpart Keir Starmer. The two countries settled on the FTA on May 6, after three years of negotiations.

After concluding his visit to the UK on Thursday, Modi will be departing for Maldives, for a two-day state visit as the country’s ‘Guest of Honour’ for the 60th Independence Day on July 26.

There have also been discussions with Maldives for an FTA as well as an investment treaty, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Tuesday.

Misri stated that the issue of Khalistani extremists and related groups has been brought up with the UK as a matter of concern for India. Furthermore, discussions also included extradition of fugitives to India.

“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.

Over queries about UK fugitives, including Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi, Misri mentioned 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.

As per sectors such as trade, investment and defence and bilateral cooperation between India and the UK, he mentioned that the partnership has seen regular high-level exchanges across. 

Misri also mentioned that the India-UK partnership has been upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2021 and has seen regular high level political exchanges ever since. “In the defence sector, we are seeing regular interactions and exercises amongst all three branches of the armed forces.” Both Modi and Starmer will be exchanging 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,” he added.

Misri also highlighted the flagship Greater Male Connectivity Project, which connects four islands of the Maldives, saying that it is crucial in transforming 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.

When asked about the improvement in strained relations between New Delhi and Maldives following last year’s alleged derogatory remarks by Maldivian officials against Modi, Misri said that the upcoming visit by the Prime Minister would further strengthen the deepening ties and enhance peace, prosperity, and security in the Indian Ocean region.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi will embark on a two-nation tour to the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to 26. This marks his third visit to the Maldives and will be the first visit by any head of state or government since Mohamed Muizzu assumed the presidency.