India Engages with UK to Advance FTA

India is actively engaging with the new UK government to strengthen bilateral ties, including the pursuit of a mutually beneficial free trade agreement (FTA), as reported by the central government in the Lok Sabha.

 

 "Both nations are working towards a trade deal that is fair, equitable, and takes into account the ambitions and sensitivities of both sides," stated junior external affairs minister Kirti Vardhan Singh in response to a written question in Parliament.

 India’s minister for commerce and industry recently met with the UK's Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, during the G7 trade ministers' meeting in Apulia, Italy, in July 2024. The discussions included plans to advance the FTA negotiations. 

 Following the formation of the new UK government, the Prime Ministers of both countries spoke on July 6, 2024. Subsequently, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited India on July 24-25, 2024. Both sides reiterated their commitment to deepening and diversifying their comprehensive strategic partnership. Negotiations for the FTA between India and the UK have been ongoing since January 13, 2022.