NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi and his counterpart Keir Starmer will review progress under India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with specific focus on trade and economy, technology, defence, security, education, and people to people exchanges in a bilateral meeting on July 24, said govt in an official announcement of the PM’s UK visit this week. Modi will also call on King Charles III during the visit that is expected to see formalisation of their free trade agreement (FTA).Govt also announced Modi’s visit to Maldives where he will be the guest of honour on the July 26 Independence Day. This will be Modi’s first visit to the country since President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in Nov 2023, signalling a complete turnaround in ties since the controversial expulsion of Indian military personnel from archipelago, and also the first by any Indian PM on Maldives independence anniversary.Anti-India leader and former President Abdulla Yameen had in 2017 invited then Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif for the same event. TOI had first reported on June 2 that India and Maldives were discussing a visit to Male by Modi on their Independence Day.During Modi’s visit to UK, both sides are expected to formally sign the landmark FTAIndia and UK finalised in May. This will be Modi’s fourth visit to UK. The leaders have endorsed FTA covering trade in goods and services, as a balanced, equitable and ambitious deal that would enhance bilateral trade and generate new avenues for employment.“During the visit, Modi will hold wide ranging discussions with Starmer on the entire gamut of India-UK bilateral relations. They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance,” MEA said.In case of Maldives, it will also be the first visit by a head of state or govt to the country during Muizzu’s presidency. According to Male, the visit carries “profound significance” as it coincides with the Independence Day and will see inauguration of several joint projects, along with signing of agreements in a range of sectors.“PM will be the guest of honour at the 60th anniversary celebrations of Independence of Maldives. The two leaders will take stock of the progress in implementation of India-Maldives Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership’, adopted during State Visit of the President of Maldives to India in Oct 2024,” said govt in its announcement.“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,” it added.