William and Kate to meet Modi as royal visit strengthens UK-India ties

The Prince of Wales will take another step on the stage of world diplomacy when he holds talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to India.

William and Kate will meet India’s leader in New Delhi as they reinforce the UK’s ties with a key partner of growing importance, using the “soft power” of the monarchy.

The couple begin a three-day visit on Monday to stage the prince’s Earthshot Prize but also to celebrate Anglo-Indian relations.

The princess is said to be “enormously proud” of her husband’s 10-year environmental prize project, now at its mid-way point of finding solutions to “repair” the planet.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “The United Kingdom and India share one of the most important international relationships, with deep and growing connections across trade, investment, defence, security, technology, education and culture.

“And this meeting reflects the importance of that relationship, as well as the role their royal highnesses can play in celebrating and strengthening the ties between our two countries.

“For the prince, it also represents another significant engagement as he continues to take on a growing role on the international stage.

“We’ve seen him increasingly support the UK’s diplomatic relationships through his overseas engagements, and this meeting will provide an opportunity to build on those connections at the highest level.”

Mr Modi has arranged his schedule to accommodate the couple, returning back to New Delhi from an official visit to the Philippines in time for the meeting on Wednesday.

William and Kate met Mr Modi during their last visit to India 10 years ago but they are now a future king and queen and increasingly taking on more prominent roles.

Discussions are likely to touch on a range of issues including India’s work on climate change and the common link of the Commonwealth.

During their three-day visit to Mumbai, Earthshot’s host city, the couple are expected to meet Bollywood stars as they learn about India’s hugely popular film industry and celebrate the country’s passion for cricket.

The highlight will be Tuesday’s Earthshot Prize Awards night, when winners in five categories will each receive £1 million.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “The princess is enormously proud of what the prince has achieved with Earthshot and is really looking forward to being alongside him for what is one of the most important moments in his year.

“She’s seen it develop into something truly remarkable, and is excited to experience first-hand just how far it has come.”

The visit is a significant milestone for Kate and will be her first long-haul overseas trip since she announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024.