India and UK to Advance FTA Negotiations
The Commerce Ministry announced on August 27 that Indian and British officials will continue their talks until the end of the month to iron out differences on the proposed free trade agreement (FTA). This meeting will be followed by a higher-level review, according to the statement.
On August 26, following the G20 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting (TIMM) in Jaipur, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State for Trade Kemi Badenoch reviewed the progress of the negotiations.
The Commerce Ministry announced on August 27 that Indian and British officials will continue their talks until the end of the month to iron out differences on the proposed free trade agreement (FTA). This meeting will be followed by a higher-level review, according to the statement.
Following the G20 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting (TIMM) at Jaipur, the progress of the negotiations was reviewed by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK's Secretary of State for Trade Kemi Badenoch on August 26.
"Teams are going to continue negotiations till the end of August 2023 which will be followed by stock taking at the higher level,” it said.
While both expressed satisfaction with the previous 12 rounds of negotiations, in which several chapters were finalised, they expressed confidence that the next round of talks would be equally successful.
"Both Chief Negotiators updated the ministers on the current state of play, outstanding issues for resolution, and their ongoing collaborative efforts to iron out the same," the Ministry added.
The Ministers directed the officials to keep the exchanges moving at a good pace, with a better understanding of each other's aspirations and sensitivities.
"Both leaders expressed their unwavering commitment to reaching a conclusion on a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade deal that will enhance economic cooperation between the two countries," the statement continued.