Progress on India-UK Free Trade Agreement: Key Discussions in Jaishankar’s UK Visit

Progress on India-UK Free Trade Agreement: Key Discussions in Jaishankar's UK Visit

VoM News Desk | November 16, 2023 | 10:24 PM IST | World | Follow on Google News

Progress on India-UK Free Trade Agreement: Key Discussions in Jaishankar’s UK Visit

Progress on India-UK Free Trade Agreement: Key Discussions in Jaishankar’s UK Visit

Ministry of External Affairs Official Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi has shed light on the recent discussions surrounding the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). These talks were a key focus during External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar’s visit to the UK, where he met with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the newly appointed Foreign Secretary.

High-Level Meetings and FTA Discussions

During his five-day visit, Jaishankar held talks with his British counterpart and the UK Prime Minister, focusing on progressing the Free Trade Agreement. This agreement is part of the broader UK-India 2030 Roadmap, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations in various fields, including defence, science, and technology.

Challenges and Negotiations

While the exact status of the negotiations was not detailed by Bagchi, he emphasized the ongoing efforts by both nations to reach a conclusive stage in the FTA discussions. The 12th round of negotiations for the FTA took place between August 8-31, 2022, highlighting the sustained engagement between the two countries.

Global Challenges and Shared Interests

In addition to the FTA, the meetings also covered discussions on shared global challenges, such as the situations in Israel and Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These talks underscore the comprehensive nature of the India-UK partnership, addressing both bilateral trade and global geopolitical issues.

Cultural and Personal Exchanges

Jaishankar’s visit also included cultural exchanges, as evidenced by his gifting a Lord Ganesha statue and a cricket bat signed by Indian cricketer Virat Kohli to UK PM Rishi Sunak. This gesture, along with Sunak’s congratulatory message to PM Modi on India’s performance in the Cricket World Cup, reflects the personal and cultural ties that complement the official diplomatic relations.

The India-UK FTA is seen as a crucial step in enhancing the economic partnership between the two nations, forming a part of the broader strategic relationship as outlined in the India-UK Roadmap 2030. The ongoing negotiations and high-level engagements signal a strong commitment to achieving a mutually beneficial agreement.

VoM News Desk

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