Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United Kingdom evoked powerful emotions among the Indian diaspora in London, with many describing their encounter with him as a once-in-a-lifetime moment filled with pride, joy, and deep sentiment.
Gehna Gautam, one of the attendees, expressed her excitement after briefly meeting the Prime Minister. “It was a surreal moment. I got to shake his hand—he is so dynamic. The energy here is on another level,” she said.
Sanjay, another community member, echoed similar admiration. “I am very happy to meet PM Modi. He’s here for an important mission. We wish him and Bharat the best. He is doing a great job.”
Bhavya called his moment with the Prime Minister unforgettable: “The Prime Minister shook my hand and gave me Ashirwad. It was the best feeling ever.”
Shivani shared an emotionally charged experience: “We shook hands twice and he blessed me. We feel truly blessed to have him here. It’s a special day for all of us.”
Shreya Pareek, who had traveled especially to see the Prime Minister, praised his leadership and recent achievements. “I came here to meet PM Modi. I’m glad I got the opportunity. I want to congratulate him on Operation Sindoor and everything he’s doing for India.”
PM Modi arrived in London on Wednesday for a two-day official visit, marking the first leg of his two-nation tour. His itinerary includes high-level talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and a meeting with King Charles III. Strengthening bilateral ties, including the signing of a Free Trade Agreement, is a major focus of this visit.
In his departure statement, PM Modi emphasized the strong and growing India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which spans sectors such as trade, investment, innovation, defence, health, and education.
This is PM Modi’s fourth visit to the UK since taking office, having previously visited in 2015, 2018, and in 2021 for the COP26 summit in Glasgow. Over the past year, Modi and Starmer have met twice on the sidelines of global summits in Brazil and Canada.
The proposed Free Trade Agreement between India and the UK aims to reduce tariffs and increase trade volume to USD 120 billion by 2030.
Following the UK visit, Prime Minister Modi will proceed to the Maldives for the second leg of his diplomatic tour.
