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India.com
an hour ago
- Business
- India.com
Hearts Race, Flags Fly: London Welcomes Modi Like A Rock Star
Luton (United Kingdom): Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in London early Wednesday morning for a packed two-day diplomatic visit. Lasting from July 23 to July 24, the trip marks the first leg of his two-nation journey. He touched down ahead of major meetings centered on strengthening ties between India and the United Kingdom, including finalising a Free Trade Agreement. Modi described the India-UK bond as a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership'. He highlighted close cooperation in trade, investment, technology, innovation, defence, education, research, sustainability, health and people-to-people connections. A key highlight of the visit involves discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The talks aim to expand economic ties, boost job creation and deepen mutual prosperity. A formal call with King Charles III also features on the itinerary. Landed in London. This visit will go a long way in advancing the economic partnership between our nations. The focus will be on furthering prosperity, growth and boosting job creation for our people. A strong India-UK friendship is essential for global progress. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2025 This marks Modi's fourth official visit to the United Kingdom. He visited previously in 2015 and 2018, and returned in 2021 for the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. In less than a year, the two leaders met twice at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro last year and again in June at the G7 in Kananaskis, Canada. Since 2021, they have elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Their shared agenda includes regular high-level exchanges and a mutual commitment to raise bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030 through tariff cuts. Modi's journey continues with a second stop in the Maldives. British-Indian Community Lights Up London with Enthusiasm London's Indian diaspora welcomed Modi with energy and anticipation. Born and raised in the United Kingdom to Maharashtrian parents, Anagha shared her joy, 'I have been hearing all the positive words about PM Modi from my grandparents and my extended family… I am very excited to see him… India is at the forefront globally.' #WATCH | London, UK | After meeting PM Modi, member of the Indian diaspora, Gehna Gautam, says, "... I just met the PM. He walked past us. It was a surreal moment. I got to shake my hand. He is so dynamic... It was an amazing experience. The enthusiasm and energy of the people… — ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2025 Expressing her excitement, Bharat quiz champion Gayatri Lokhande said, 'This would be my second time. I have come here as the winner of the 'Bharat ko Janiye' quiz… We are looking forward to the trade agreement to be signed with PM Keir Starmer.' #WATCH | UK | Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets the members of the Indian Diaspora in Luton (Source: ANI/DD) — ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2025 Ramchandra Shastri attended the gathering of Indian diaspora that welcome PM Modi with his whole family. 'He is a revolutionary person… He understands all the scriptures like Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads and talks about the welfare of all people,' he said. A member of the Dawoodi Bohra community added, 'As Dawoodi Bohras, we are very proud of the relationship that the prime minister has with our community… we welcome him to the UK.' #WATCH | London, UK | After meeting PM Modi, member of the Indian diaspora, Shreya Pareek, says, "...I came here to meet PM Modi. I am glad that I got that opportunity... I want to congratulate him for Operation Sindoor and all the other things he is doing for India..." — ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2025 Another Bohra community member said, 'This is my first time personally meeting PM Modi. He is a great friend to the Dawoodi Bohra community… we hope that one day he will visit us at our mosque in the UK as well.' Preena, speaking on behalf of her family, described her excitement, 'He has done so much for India's progress… He made India a Vishwaguru. He made India very powerful on the world stage.' Assam's Bihu Dance to Grace Arrival A group of Assamese performers added festive colour to the scene. Lead dancer Madhusmita Borgohain, living in the United Kingdom for 12 years, said, 'I cannot express how happy I am to see PM Modi today. Today, we will perform Bihu dance.' #WATCH | London, UK | After meeting PM Modi, member of the Indian diaspora, Shivani, says, "...We shook hands twice and he also blessed me on my head... It is my pleasure to meet him. We are very blessed to have him over here. We are really very happy today..." — ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2025 Chinu Kishore, another member and UK resident for 22 years, echoed her feelings, 'I am very excited to see PM Modi in person today and perform Assam's Bihu dance form.' #WATCH | London, UK | After meeting PM Modi, member of the Indian diaspora, Bhavya, says, "...The Prime Minister shook my hand and gave me 'Ashirwad'. It was the best feeling ever..." — ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2025 This visit blends diplomatic purpose with cultural sparkle, personal connections and a clear economic agenda. Modest beginnings. Ambitious goals. The spotlight now shifts to the moment Modi and Starmer meet and to the upcoming trade agreement signing that could define a new chapter in India-UK relations.
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
Police body's legal action warning over Donald Trump's Scottish visit
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The body representing rank and file police officers across Scotland has warned that it could take legal action if the extraordinary challenge posed by Donald Trump's visit to the country causes the national force to fall foul of legally binding work agreements. David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said that there were 'certain parameters' that Police Scotland had to follow, and stressed that it could go to court if there is a breach of any legally binding deal. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The upcoming visit by the US president to Scotland poses one of the biggest operational challenges for the force since the COP26 climate change summit nearly four years ago, with thousands of officers set to be deployed as part of a vast security operation. Donald Trump will visit his Scottish resorts this weekend, prompting a major policing and security operation. Picture: Getty | Getty Images Mr Trump is set to arrive in Scotland on Friday for a five day visit. It is understood his trip will begin at the Trump Organisation owned Turnberry resort in South Ayrshire, before he heads to Aberdeenshire to his inaugural Scottish property, Trump International Golf Links. With several anti-Trump protests also expected across Scotland protest scale of the policing operation, Police Scotland has submitted a mutual aid request to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) for additional officers to help with the demand. Warning over 'legally binding' agreement But amid ongoing warnings about the impact of Mr Trump's visit on police resources, Mr Kennedy said that if necessary, the federation would go to court so as to look after officers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said: 'We have an agreement reached for all officers in Scotland and the shifts they work, and how you police Scotland. There's certain parameters that the service have to follow, and if they don't follow them, then that is a breach of that agreement, which is legally binding. 'If they breach that, then the only option to the SPF to protect its members is to go to court.' David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire | PA He added: 'This is a big event for Police Scotland, but we have major concerns. We do not have enough police officers in Scotland. Anyone that says we do, I don't know where they get those figures from. 'We know what police officers have to do day in, day out and we need more officers in Scotland. When these events come along that puts those officers that are here under so much pressure.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At the weekend, the federation's chair, David Threadgold, told Scotland on Sunday that some officers involved in Mr Trump's visit may be expected to work 12 hour shifts, posing a 'challenge' for how they eat, sleep and rest. Mr Threadgold said that 'very few if any' officers will not be impacted by the operation, and compared it to previous presidential visits and the COP26 summit that took place in Glasgow in 2021. He added: 'We are talking about bespoke workforce plans because although this is a well-established workforce, we are cognisant we cannot deliver this without impacting on individual officers across the country. Mr Trump will visit Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire as part of his return to Scotland. Picture: Getty | Getty Images 'What that means in simple terms is some may be required to work 12-hour shifts, for example, which normally wouldn't happen. That is the type of change cops will see during this event.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Police in Northern Ireland assessing request Details of the request by Police Scotland to the PSNI remain unclear, but it has echoes of the mutual aid agreement struck with other forces in 2018, when Mr Trump visited Scotland during his first term in office. A spokeswoman for the PSNI confirmed it had received a request from Police Scotland, and that the force would have to ensure its own 'operational competence' when assessing it. She explained: 'There are well established processes for any UK based police services to request support from other services at times of peak demand. 'These requests are managed via the National Police Co-ordination Centre and we can confirm that PSNI have received a request to provide mutual aid to Police Scotland which we are currently assessing. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The so-called Trump baby blimp featured prominently in protests against the then US president during this visit to Scotland in 2018. Picture: Jeff| Getty Images 'The decision to provide officers under the mutual aid process will be considered against our own demands, ensuring that we retain the capacity to respond effectively to local issues and maintain our own operational competence.' Mr Trump's visit - his first to Scotland since 2023 - will see him meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer while in Aberdeen. A spokeswoman for the White House said the meeting will allow the two men to 'refine the great trade deal' that was brokered between the UK and US. Plans are also being drawn up for an engagement between Mr Trump and First Minister John Swinney, although it is not clear where, or when, the two men will meet. Airspace restrictions in place Strict airspace restrictions will be in place over Mr Trump's resort in Balmedie. According to notices filed by the Civil Aviation Authority, there is a ban on unmanned aircraft flying below 1,000 feet within a one mile radius surrounding the property. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The ban not only covers drones, but parachutes, paramotors, small balloons, and any kites, according to the documentation. When Mr Trump visited Turnberry seven years ago, a paraglider descended on the resort, prompting Police Scotland to warn the individual that they had put themselves in 'grave danger.' This time around, protesters who have joined forces under a group known as the 'Stop Trump Coalition' have organised two protests in Scotland, with one scheduled to take place at Union Terrace Gardens in Aberdeen on Saturday, while another will be held outside the US consulate in Edinburgh the same day.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Police Scotland seeks support from PSNI for Trump visit
However, the PSNI is currently facing its own challenges in the wake of recent race riots in the region and the start on July 12 of the busy "marching season" of Orange and Loyalist parades. Police in the province have also been busy with security around the world's top golf tournament, The Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club which ended yesterday. READ MORE: Police braced for Trump visit with 5,000 officers deployed Top lawyer warns men accused of rape may not get a fair trial MSPs raise alarm over soaring welfare costs as bill to rise to over £9 billion It is not known if the PSNI will be in a position to offer assistance. The request from Police Scotland to the PSNI is currently being assessed. A spokeswoman for the PSNI told The Herald: "There are well established processes for any UK based Police Services to request support from other services at times of peak demand. "These requests are managed via the National Police Co-ordination Centre (NPoCC) and we can confirm that PSNI have received a request to provide mutual aid to Police Scotland which we are currently assessing. "The decision to provide officers under the mutual aid process will be considered against our own demands, ensuring that we retain the capacity to respond effectively to local issues and maintain our own operational competence." Police unions in Scotland at the weekend warned of a severe strain on resources ahead of Trump's visit with thousands of officers expected to be deployed and major protests planned. The White House confirmed last week that the US president will travel to his golf resorts at Turnberry and Balmedie between Thursday July 25 and Monday July 29, prompting one of the biggest policing operations in Scotland in recent years. Officers face cancelled rest days, extended shifts and deployment across multiple sites. David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, told the Sunday Mail: 'It's a recipe for disaster. We don't have enough cops. 'President Trump is a magnet to certain groups. There will be protests. And just because the President is in one place doesn't mean that's where the protests will take place. 'With this event, it is survival mode. That's the mentality that will set in.' He added: 'We'll survive but we shouldn't have to just survive. They will need plenty of help from the UK. 'All this costs money and Police Scotland's budget is already bust. Everybody working longer hours and days has a knock-on effect for months, if not years.' David Threadgold, the Federation's chair, told Scotland on Sunday the service would need to ask for help from other forces: 'This is a huge policing event for Scotland and we will require mutual aid because of the huge demand on my colleagues. 'Very few, if any, cops will not be impacted by next week's visit and beyond. 'I suppose the natural comparison in terms of scale is previous presidential visits and COP26. 'We are talking about bespoke workforce plans because although this is a well-established workforce, we are cognisant we cannot deliver this without impacting on individual officers across the country. 'What that means in simple terms is some may be required to work 12-hour shifts, for example, which normally wouldn't happen. 'That is the type of change cops will see during this event. We also need to consider how officers will eat and drink and rest during this policing, which will be a challenge.' He added: 'This is already a difficult time for Police Scotland as they are trying to organise and deliver this at short notice during a period of high annual leave.' Police Scotland was approached for comment.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Police braced for Trump visit with 5,000 officers deployed
Officers face cancelled rest days, extended shifts and deployment across multiple sites. David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, told the Sunday Mail: 'It's a recipe for disaster. We don't have enough cops. 'President Trump is a magnet to certain groups. There will be protests. And just because the President is in one place doesn't mean that's where the protests will take place. 'With this event, it is survival mode. That's the mentality that will set in.' He added: 'We'll survive but we shouldn't have to just survive. They will need plenty of help from the UK. 'All this costs money and Police Scotland's budget is already bust. Everybody working longer hours and days has a knock-on effect for months, if not years.' READ MORE: David Threadgold, the Federation's chair, told Scotland on Sunday the service would need to ask for help from other forces: 'This is a huge policing event for Scotland and we will require mutual aid because of the huge demand on my colleagues. 'Very few, if any, cops will not be impacted by next week's visit and beyond. 'I suppose the natural comparison in terms of scale is previous presidential visits and COP26. 'We are talking about bespoke workforce plans because although this is a well-established workforce, we are cognisant we cannot deliver this without impacting on individual officers across the country. 'What that means in simple terms is some may be required to work 12-hour shifts, for example, which normally wouldn't happen. 'That is the type of change cops will see during this event. 'We also need to consider how officers will eat and drink and rest during this policing, which will be a challenge.' He added: 'This is already a difficult time for Police Scotland as they are trying to organise and deliver this at short notice during a period of high annual leave.' Police Scotland is expected to deploy around 5,000 officers — nearly a third of its current headcount of 16,500. The overall bill for the visit could exceed £5 million. Trump's 2018 presidential visit triggered a UK-wide policing bill of £18m and a cost-sharing row between Holyrood and Westminster. Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond told Scotland on Sunday, Police Scotland would deploy local, national and specialist resources to 'maintain public safety, balance rights to peaceful protest and minimise disruption'. 'We are not going to be telling officers they cannot go on holiday, but those who ask for time off at short notice are very unlikely to get it. 'Operation Roll is a very high demand event but we will continue to deliver community policing. 'Inevitably there will be an impact on our ability to do that, but the public should be reassured that emergencies will still be responded to — there just might be an impact on service delivery. 'There are so many people committed to this event but the [[pub]]lic should be confident that we are excellent at what we do, and our experience of policing things like Operation Unicorn and the Commonwealth Games shows we can deliver.' The Civil Aviation Authority has imposed strict flying restrictions around the Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire. Until Saturday August 10, drones, kites, paramotors and parachutes are banned from flying below 1,000 feet within a one-mile radius of the site. Meanwhile, Patrick Harvie, the outgoing co-leader of the Scottish Greens, told the Sunday Post, the trip needed to be protested. He said: 'Donald Trump is a convicted criminal and extremist who works to undermine democracy and human rights at home and around the world. 'You should not and cannot appease someone like this. Nobody should be lending this increasingly fascist political project any credibility on the international stage. It must be opposed at every turn. 'Scotland has already made it amply clear that he isn't welcome here. And when he arrives in the coming weeks, Scotland will stand on the right side of history and make it amply clear once more.' The Stop Trump Coalition has organised a 'festival of resistance' in Aberdeen on Saturday. During his 2018 visit, tens of thousands take to the streets in Glasgow, Edinburgh and [[Aberdeen]]. During that trip, a paraglider flew over Trump's Turnberry resort carrying a banner that read 'Trump: well below par'. Police later said the stunt had placed the individual in 'grave danger' due to the presence of armed officers protecting the president. READ MORE Business leaders have urged ministers to use the visit to boost trade links with the US. Dr Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, told The Sunday Post the visit was an opportunity: "This is about investment, exports and jobs, not politics. "Scotland's exports, from whisky and salmon to renewables and fintech, are world class. The US is a key market, and now's the time to reinforce our value. "We should be pushing for better trade terms, fewer barriers, and stronger commercial partnerships. This is about delivering real economic impact." Guy Hinks, chair of the Federation of Small Businesses Scotland, said nearly 60% of Scottish exporters trade with the US, making it the most important market outside the EU. 'Scotland should be making the most of every advantage it has,' he said. Mr Trump is expected to take part in the opening ceremony of a new course at his Balmedie resort, named after his Scottish-born mother, Mary Ann MacLeod. The venue will also host two major tournaments in the weeks following his visit — the PGA Seniors Championship beginning Wednesday July 31 and the DP World Tour Next Championship on Wednesday August 7. The visit will include meetings with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in [[Aberdeen]] and First Minister John Swinney. Mr Trump, who last visited Scotland in 2023, is due to return to the UK in September for a state visit, where he will meet King Charles at Windsor Castle. Speaking to the BBC last week, the President described the north-east of Scotland as 'the oil and gas capital of Europe' and called for a return to fossil fuels, saying: 'Get rid of the windmills and bring back the oil.'
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
Huge policing operation for Trump's Scotland visit - 'Few if any cops will not be impacted'
Strict airspace regulations will also be in place as part of vast security operation Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The head of the Scottish Police Federation has said all officers in Scotland could be affected by the visit this week of US president Donald Trump. David Threadgold, who chairs the body that represents rank and file officers, said some may be expected to work 12-hour shifts, posing a 'challenge' for how they eat, sleep and rest. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Strict airspace restrictions will also be in place over Mr Trump's inaugural Scottish golf resort as part of a vast security operation. Donald Trump has spoken fondly of his links to Scotland (Picture: Andy Buchanan) | AFP via Getty Images Speculation mounted about a potential visit of the president this month when Police Scotland confirmed it was in the early stages of planning for such an event. In Washington DC on Thursday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Mr Trump will visit both of his golf courses in Scotland - Turnberry in Ayrshire and Menie in Aberdeenshire - between July 25 and 29. Mr Threadgold told Scotland on Sunday: 'This is a huge policing event for Scotland and we will require mutual aid because of the huge demand on my colleagues. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Very few if any cops will not be impacted by next week's visit and beyond. 'I suppose the natural comparison in terms of scale is previous presidential visits and COP26. 'We are talking about bespoke workforce plans because although this is a well-established workforce we are cognisant we cannot deliver this without impacting on individual officers across the country. 'What that means in simple terms is some may be required to work 12-hour shifts for example, which normally wouldn't happen. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'That is the type of change cops will see during this event. 'We also need to consider how officers will eat and drink and rest during this policing which will be a challenge.' He stressed that despite the added pressures the public should be reassured officers will continue to deliver community policing. 'This is already a difficult time for Police Scotland as they are trying to organise and deliver this at short notice during a period of high annual leave,' he said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Time off 'very unlikely' 'We are not going to be telling officers they cannot go on holiday, but those who ask for time off at short notice are very unlikely to get it. 'Operation Roll is a very high demand event but we will continue to deliver community policing. 'Inevitably there will be an impact on our ability to do that, but the public should be reassured that emergencies will still be responded to, there just might be an impact on service delivery. 'There are so many people committed to this event but the public should be confident that we are excellent at what we do and our experience of policing things like Operation Unicorn and the Commonwealth Games should we can deliver.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Police Scotland is reported to have requested extra officers from across the UK to support the upcoming visit by Mr Trump. Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond said a policing plan will be in place to 'maintain public safety, balance rights to peaceful protest and minimise disruption,' adding: 'The visit will require a significant police operation using local, national and specialist resources from across Police Scotland, supported by colleagues from other UK police forces as part of mutual aid arrangements. "Officers make sacrifices every day to keep people safe, and their dedication and professionalism is the reason we manage to deliver significant operations." Flying regulations Notices filed by the Civil Aviation Authority reveal that sweeping flying regulations will be put in place over the Aberdeenshire site for nearly two weeks. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While Mr Trump's visit - his first to his mother's homeland since 2023 - will begin on Friday, the CAA restrictions began today, and will remain in place until 10 August. It means that over that 22 day period, no unmanned aircraft will be allowed to fly below 1,000 feet within a one mile radius surrounding Trump International Golf Links. The ban not only covers drones, but parachutes, paramotors, small balloons, and any kites, according to the documentation drawn up by the CAA's regulators. During Mr Trump's visit to Scotland in his first term in office, widespread protests included a paraglider who descended on his Turnberry resort in South Ayrshire brandishing a banner which read 'Trump: well below par'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In the wake of the incident in July 2018, Police Scotland warned the paraglider that they had put themselves in 'grave danger,' given armed officers from the US and the UK were protecting Mr Trump, who had arrived at Turnberry shortly beforehand. A 55-year-old man was subsequently arrested, charged and released pending further inquiries, while that November, Police Scotland said a 35-year-old man had been reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the incident. However, the Crown Office announced the following year that no criminal proceedings would be brought. Series of upcoming tournaments Mr Trump's Aberdeenshire resort is set to host a series of tournaments in the coming weeks. The Legends Tour Staysure PGA Seniors Championship, an event featuring veterans including Colin Montgomerie, Paul Lawrie, and José María Olazábal will be staged between 31 July and 3 August. It will be followed by the DP World Tour Next Championship, which takes place between 7 August and 10 August. But the CAA restrictions will be in place for ten days before the first of the two tournaments begin. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Balmedie resort is also set to welcome players to its new course come 13 August. Mr Trump is expected to take part in the opening ceremony for the recently constructed links, named after his mother, when he visits. It has already been confirmed Mr Trump will meet Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer while in Aberdeen, while plans are being put in place for the president to meet First Minister John Swinney, according to the Scottish Government. The president will return to the UK in September for his second state visit. Last week, Mr Trump told the BBC the north-east of Scotland - the oil and gas capital of Europe - should "get rid of the windmills and bring back the oil". Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The US president has long been an opponent of wind farms, objecting to a development off the coast of Aberdeen which can be seen from his golf course. There had also been speculation the King would host the American leader in Scotland after Charles suggested the meeting, at Balmoral or Dumfries House, in a letter he wrote to Mr Trump in February inviting him to make the state visit.
