Apart from the expected signatures of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, India will also increase the return of fugitive economic criminals during the issue of Khalistani extremism and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two -day official visit to the country, which begins on Wednesday.
Officials said during the visit, in addition to discussing the entire gamal of India-UK relations with his British counterpart Keer Star, PM Modi is also expected to call King Charles III, officials said.
India and UK announced FTA conclusion on 6 May after a three -year conversation.
India is also discussing with an FTA as well as an investment treaty with Maldives, on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said while briefing reporters on PM’s visit to two countries.
After completing his official visit in the UK on Thursday, PM Modi will be the head of Maldives on a two -day state visit, where he will be ‘Guest of Honor’ for the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the island nation on 26 July.
Misri said that the issue of Khalistani extremists and related groups is a matter of concern for India, and has been brought to the attention of partners in the UK.
Misri said that there has also been a discussion between India and Britain about the extradition of fugitives in India.
The story continues below this advertisement
“The issue of the presence of Khalistani extremists, the dead bodies of these people, are something that we have brought to the attention of our colleagues in the UK. We will continue to do so. It is not only a matter of concern for us, but should also be a matter of concern for our partners as it also affects social harmony and social system in these countries.”
In response to a query on the issue of fugitive in the UK including Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi, Misri said that the fugitive related to Indian law is a legal process for such requests and India is doing “very close” with the UK on the issue.
He said, “There is a legal process that such requests, issues pass in another country, and we continue to follow these matters very closely with our colleagues in the UK,” he said.
Misri also listed the major areas of India-UK bilateral cooperation, saying that the partnership has watched regular high-level exchanges regularly in areas such as trade, investment and defense.
The story continues below this advertisement
This will be the fourth visit of PM Modi of UK. The Indo-UK partnership was upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2021 and since then, it has regularly observed high-level political exchange.
“In the defense sector, we are seeing regular interactions and exercises between all three branches of the armed forces,” Misri said. Two PMs will also exchange ideas on issues of regional and global importance.
On a visit to the Maldives, Misri said, “On the Economic Front, a recent development … is that the two countries are discussing to interact with a free trade agreement and an investment treaty, and new areas of cooperation including renewable energy, fisheries, etc. are also being worked out.”
“India is one of the largest trading partners in Maldives. Bilateral trade is about $ 500 million, and Indian investors are part of areas such as tourism in Maldives and other economic activities,” Misri said.
The story continues below this advertisement
Beyond the trade, Misri highlighted the Flagship Greater Male Connectivity Project, which adds four islands in the Maldives, stating that it is ready to change the infrastructure of the region, while also mentioning the initiative to suit social housing projects such as male priorities.
“India continues to help Maldives to train Maldives defense personnel,” Misri said, and a lot of it is done through regular training programs and naval exercises between the two countries. “
When asked about the changes in stressful relations between New Delhi and men last year after the Maldives officials made alleged derogatory remarks about PM Modi, Misri said that the Prime Minister would contribute to strengthening the strong relations and contributing to peace, prosperity and security in the Hinson Ocean sector.
PM Modi will take on his two-nation tour of UK and Maldives from July 23 to July 26, MEA said on Sunday. This will be the Prime Minister’s third visit to Maldives and the first visit by the state head or government for Maldives during the presidency of Mohammad Muizu.
,
