Blitz Bureau
RIO DE JANEIRO: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the relaunch of the stalled talks with India for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2025. Speaking after a meeting with Prime Minister NarendraModi on the sidelines of the G20 summit on November 18, Starmer also said that Britain will seek a new strategic partnership.
“A new trade deal with India will support jobs and prosperity in the UK – and represent a step forward in our mission to deliver growth and opportunity across our country,” said the British PM. “The UK will seek a new strategic partnership with India, including a trade agreement, as well as deepening cooperation in areas like security, education, technology, and climate change”, a statement from his office said.
Working closely
PM Modi in a post on X said, “For India, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UK is of immense priority”. “In the coming years, we are eager to work closely in areas such as technology, green energy, security, innovation, and technology. We also want to add strength to trade as well as cultural linkages”, he added.
He called his meeting with Starmer “extremely productive”. This was his first meeting with Starmer, who was elected in July defeating Labour Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The Commerce and Industry Ministry In New Delhi announced on November 20 that the schedule for holding the talks in early 2025 would be finalised through diplomatic channels “at an early date”.
“The FTA talks would resume the discussions from the progress achieved previously and seek to bridge the gaps for expeditiously closing the trade deal,” it added.
The UK has been locked in more than a dozen rounds of negotiations since 2022, with key sticking points around relaxing visa rules and lowering fees for Indian students and professionals going to the UK, reports BBC. Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs said the two leaders were confident their negotiators would forge a “balanced, mutually-beneficial and forward- looking Free Trade Agreement”. It said that India would be opening two new Consulate Generals – or Deputy High Commissions – in Belfast and Manchester to better serve the Indian diaspora.
MEA also mentioned that PM Modi raised the thorny issue of alleged economic offenders from India living in Britain whom New Delhi wants extradited. Among those India is seeking is Vijay Mallaya, the one-time high-flying liquor and airline entrepreneur, who has avoided extradition for several years. Others include diamond merchant NiravModi and cricket administrator LalitModi. After Brexit, Britainit has sought to broaden economic relations with India and other countries. British Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said, “Striking a deal (with India) is important to deliver this Government’s core mission of driving economic growth”
