News Desk
NEW DEHLI: Britain and India have agreed to resume stalled negotiations for a free-trade agreement, marking a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between the two nations. The announcement came after a meeting between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, at the G20 summit in Brazil.
Starmer, who assumed office in July, described the discussions with Modi as “very productive” and expressed optimism about the economic benefits of a trade deal with India. “A new trade deal will support jobs and prosperity in the UK — and represent a step forward in our mission to deliver growth and opportunity across the country,” Starmer posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday evening. Downing Street confirmed that negotiations would recommence in the new year, aiming to forge a “new strategic partnership” with India.
This partnership would extend beyond trade, encompassing collaboration on security, education, technology, and climate change. India’s foreign ministry echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of restarting the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations promptly. The ministry expressed confidence in the ability of negotiating teams to resolve outstanding issues, paving the way for a “balanced, mutually beneficial, and forward-looking” agreement.
Negotiations between the two nations have been ongoing for nearly three years but faced multiple hurdles under the previous Conservative government. India has sought greater access to UK work and study visas in exchange for reducing tariffs on British goods such as whisky. However, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s tough stance on immigration, driven by public backlash over record migration levels post-pandemic, complicated the discussions.
