Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the United Kingdom has been marked by significant developments, including the signing of a landmark free trade agreement and expressions of condolence following a tragic air accident.
On Thursday, July 24, 2025, PM Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer formalized a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the UK. This deal, three years in the making, is projected to significantly boost economic ties between the two nations. The FTA is expected to double bilateral trade from the current $60 billion to $120 billion by 2030. Tariffs on 99% of Indian exports are expected to be eliminated, and tariffs on 90% of British goods will be slashed. Key British exports like whisky and cars are expected to particularly benefit from the agreement.
PM Modi described the UK and India as "natural partners" and stated that the nations were "writing a new chapter" in their shared history. PM Starmer hailed the event as a "historic day," with the deal expected to bring £6 billion in investment to the UK economy and create 2,200 jobs. The agreement is considered the largest of its kind when measured by economic impact on Britain.
In addition to the FTA, the two leaders are expected to agree upon an "ambitious" new UK-India Vision 2035 agreement. This agreement aims to mark a "step-change" in bilateral ties for the next decade, building upon the FTA to unlock opportunities that strengthen defense cooperation and drive innovation between both economies. Discussions between the two sides also covered technology, investment, climate, defense, trade, and migration.
Earlier in June, a tragic Air India plane crash occurred near Ahmedabad Airport, claiming the lives of many, including 53 British nationals. The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London's Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025.
In the wake of the disaster, PM Modi expressed his condolences for the Britons killed in the Air India plane crash. British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron met with PM Modi to convey her condolences. Cameron acknowledged the joint effort between the UK and India to investigate the accident and appreciated the dedication of the first responders. PM Modi affirmed that he was in touch with ministers and authorities working to assist those affected. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed grief over the incident.