Foreign Minister Vikram Misri. File | Photo Credit: PTI
Bilateral trade is the main item of the agenda because the Prime Minister Narendra Modi will head to the United Kingdom on Wednesday (July 23, 2025), but interviews in India-UK will also present discussions about pro-Khalistan elements in the UK and Indian policies about the modification of British refugees.
The presence of Khalistan activists in the UK and elsewhere undermines “social cohesion”, Foreign Minister Vikram Misri said on Tuesday briefing on a visit to PM.
The visit will also probably lead to unveiling an agreement on free trade in India, which Mr. Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on 6 May.
FTA work at the last minute
“We are working on Legal Scrubbing and Other Last Minute Work That Needs to Be Done … The UK is the Sixth-Largest Investor in India, With Cumulative Investment of $ 36 Billion. Misri Said, Indicating That Last Minute Discussions Are Taking Place Regarding the FTA.
According to diplomatic sources, FTA is expected to lead to tangible benefits for both countries in sectors such as advanced machines, cars and spirits, especially Scottish whiskey. According to the United Kingdom government, FTA has the potential to increase bilateral trade by almost 39%or an amount of £ 25.5 billion, which corresponds to £ 34.4 billion.
Khalistan security concerns
While they strengthen the India-UK store, interviews are also engaged in the presence of elements of Khalistan, which have recently been repeatedly aimed at the Indian High Commissioner in London and led the campaign for free Khalistan. This is also among security concerns that have been taken into account during a visit to the Prime Minister, resulting in several details, including meetings that are held under the wrap.
In March, the Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar was recognized by a protestor who tried to tear the Indian flag. The Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the incident and asked the British government to “fully live until its diplomatic obligations”.
Visiting the Prime Minister will also provide India the opportunity to discuss the presence of refugees such as Vijay Malllya and Nirav Modi on British soil. Mr Misri said India was convinced that he would bring these individuals to justice and point to previous successful release. “We were in touch with us. We will try to explain to them how others like Tahawwur Rana have been released … We can do it,” Misri said.
Will probably discuss sanctions
According to sources, Mr. Modi will be accepted by British King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the visit, and the leaders will spend a considerable amount of time together.
Mr. Modi and Mr. Starmer are expected to discuss international development, including the support of Great Britain in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. It is important that while the European Union announced a specific sanction on 18 July against the refinery of Nayara Energy in Gujarat, a joint venture with the Russian energy giant Rosneft, the United Kingdom announced its sanctions on July 21.
Published – July 22, 2025 05:42 IS IS
