India and the UK recommit for early conclusion of trade pact

India and the UK have reaffirmed their commitment to the early conclusion of a “balanced and comprehensive” free trade agreement as the two sides reviewed cooperation in areas ranging from tariff to climate change.

The Indian delegation was led by India’s Foreign Secretary and the UK delegation was led by the permanent Under-secretary in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

“Both sides aspire to early conclusion of a balanced and comprehensive India-UK FTA that may intensify the economic engagement between the fifth and the sixth biggest global economies,” India’s External Affairs ministry said in a statement.

India and the UK had earlier unveiled plans to conclude the FTA by October 2022 but it did not materialise on the set deadline.