On 18 July 2023, the United Kingdom and India successfully wrapped up the eleventh round of talks to establish a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations
As part of the ongoing efforts to reach a comprehensive FTA, the eleventh round of negotiations between the UK and India took place in a hybrid format.
While some Indian officials travelled to London for face-to-face discussions, others participated virtually, ensuring continuity despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic.
High-Level meetings between UK and India continue to drive progress
During 10-11 July, Piyush Goyal, the Honourable Minister for Commerce and Industry, Government of India, visited the UK for crucial discussions on the FTA.
In meetings with Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, and Nigel Huddleston MP, the Minister of State for International Trade, both parties explored various avenues to advance the negotiations and expand bilateral trade and investment opportunities.
Shri Sunil Barthwal, Commerce Secretary, Government of India, also visited the UK during this round. He engaged with senior UK trade officials to assess the progress achieved in the eleventh round of negotiations.
Throughout the eleventh round, technical discussions were held across nine key policy areas, comprising 42 sessions.
Commitment to address complexities of FTA
These deliberations included in-depth reviews of draft treaty texts in the specified policy domains, signifying the commitment of both nations to address the intricacies of the proposed FTA.
With significant strides being made in the eleventh round, the UK and India are gearing up for the twelfth round of FTA negotiations, slated to occur in the coming months.
This continuous engagement reflects the determination of both nations to foster a mutually beneficial trade partnership.
Summary of the UK-India relationship
The UK and India’s relationship has witnessed strengthened ties through the regular rounds of FTA negotiations.
The ongoing efforts indicate a shared commitment to bolster economic cooperation and open new avenues for trade and investment between the two nations. As they prepare for the twelfth round of talks, the prospect of a UK and India Free Trade Agreement holds immense promise for a thriving partnership in the years to come.
