Throbbing Hearts and Raised Flags: Modi's Arrival in London Sparking Rock Star-like Reception
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day diplomatic visit to London, United Kingdom, on July 23. This visit marks the first leg of his two-nation journey, and his fourth official visit to the UK.
The primary objective of the visit is to strengthen ties between India and the UK, with a focus on expanding economic ties, boosting job creation, and deepening mutual prosperity. The talks are expected to culminate in the signing of a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a product of patient diplomacy spanning three years.
The FTA, scheduled to be formalized during the visit, is projected to double bilateral trade in goods and services to about USD 120 billion by 2030. The agreement is expected to significantly benefit sectors such as textiles, leather, ready-made garments, and home textiles in India, while adding approximately USD 6.4 billion annually to the British economy.
Indian exporters will benefit from reduced tariffs on nearly 99% of Indian goods entering the UK, with duties going down from 4%-16% to zero for many items. For the UK, India will reduce tariffs on nearly 90% of British goods, with significant cuts on whisky and gin tariffs and automobile tariffs reduced under quota arrangements.
The agreement also improves market access and liberalizes various sectors, including services. UK companies will gain better access to Indian public procurement and government contracts worth about £38 billion per year, opening significant new business avenues for British firms. Indian workers in the UK will be exempt from paying social security contributions for three years, yielding savings estimated at USD 463 million annually.
The visit is not just about economics; it also carries a cultural sparkle. London's Indian diaspora welcomed Modi with energy and anticipation, and the spotlight shifted to the performance of the Bihu dance by a group of Assamese performers. Madhusmita Borgohain, a lead dancer, expressed her happiness at seeing PM Modi and shared that they would perform the Bihu dance during his visit.
The spotlight now shifts to the meeting between Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the upcoming trade agreement signing, which could define a new chapter in India-UK relations. Members of the Dawoodi Bohra community expressed pride in the relationship between their community and PM Modi, and looked forward to future interactions, including a potential visit to their mosque in the UK.
Ramchandra Shastri, attending the gathering of the Indian diaspora with his family, expressed admiration for PM Modi's understanding of scriptures and concern for the welfare of all people. Preena, speaking on behalf of her family, expressed excitement about PM Modi's contributions to India's progress and his role in making India a Vishwaguru and a powerful nation on the world stage.
Modi described the India-UK bond as a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership". The trip is scheduled to last until July 24, and among the attendees is Gayatri Lokhande, the Bharat quiz champion, who is attending the visit as the winner of the 'Bharat ko Janiye' quiz.
The FTA, while requiring final ratification by the British Parliament and India’s federal cabinet, represents a milestone in India-UK relations, fostering deeper economic and diplomatic ties, enhancing trade flows, creating jobs, and promoting mutual market opportunities through tariff cuts and liberalized trade rules.
- The Prime Minister's visit to London underscores a concentrated effort to advance technology, health, and finance sectors within the context of the upcoming Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aiming to foster mutual benefits and bolster general news.
- In addition to the economic aspect, the FTA is poised to bolster the cultural relationship between the two nations, as the Indian diaspora enthusiastically welcomes Prime Minister Modi and anticipates performances showcasing traditional dances such as the Bihu dance.
- With the possible ratification of the FTA by the British Parliament and India’s federal cabinet, this marks a significant juncture in India-UK policy-and-legislation and business relations, paving the way for increased collaboration, job creation, and overall growth in various fields including technology and health.
