• Source:JND
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The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the United Kingdom will cover multiple pressing issues, including the free trade agreement, Khalistani extremism and fugitive Indian businessmen. The visit to the UK is at the invitation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where he is scheduled to meet King Charles III. "He will also call upon King Charles III. Interaction is also planned with the business leaders, both from India and the UK. This will be the Prime Minister's fourth visit to the UK since assuming office," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in a special press briefing in New Delhi.

"There are a few questions related to fugitives from Indian law and justice in the UK. These have been a matter of discussion between both sides, and we continue to make the case for these fugitives to be rendered to India. Obviously, there is a legal process that such requests and such issues go through in the other country, and we continue to follow up very closely with our partners in the UK on these matters," Misri said.

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On Khalistani extremism in the United Kingdom, Misri noted that New Delhi has already brought to the attention of partners in the UK and will continue to do so. He said soaring presence of Khalistani extremism is a matter of concern not only to India, but it should be a matter of concern to the UK. Misri emphasised that the issue of Khalistan impacts social cohesion and social order in other countries as well.

During the visit, the two sides will also review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with a specific focus on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people-to-people ties.

WATCH: Full video of MEA conference

PM Modi's first Maldives visit after relations nosedived 

In the second leg of his visit, the Prime Minister will undertake a State Visit to Maldives from July 25 – 26, on the invitation of the Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. This will be the Prime Minister's third visit to the Maldives, and the first visit after Muizzu's presidency.

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The Prime Minister will be the ‘Guest of Honour’ at the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Independence of Maldives on July 26, 2025. During the visit, he will met Muizzu and hold discussions on issues of mutual interest. The two leaders will also take stock of the progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership’, adopted during the State Visit of the President of Maldives to India in October 2024. The visit reflects the importance India attaches to its maritime neighbour, Maldives, which continues to hold a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to further deepen and strengthen the close bilateral relationship.