India-UK FTA talks to resume soon, Modi and Starmer say

Negotiations on the proposed bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) between the United Kingdom and India will resume soon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said this week.

The announcement came after Modi met his UK counterpart, Keir Starmer, on the sidelines of the group of 20 nations (G20) summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This was Modi’s first meeting with the new UK PM, who assumed office in July.

Starmer told Modi that his country is committed to negotiating a trade deal with India, a UK government press release said.

During their talks, Modi urged Starmer to address the issue of economic offenders from India taking refuge in the UK.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-UK Comprehensive 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,” Starmer said in the statement.

The release issued by the Indian ministry of external affairs said both leaders have agreed on the need to make progress on issues related to migration and mobility.

Starmer said the UK will seek a new strategic partnership with India, including a trade deal, and deepen cooperation in areas like security, education, technology, and climate change.

To better serve the consular requirements of the Indian community in the UK, Modi announced the establishment of two new consulates general of India in the UK in Belfast and Manchester.

“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.,” Modi said in a social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Modi and Starmer expressed confidence in the negotiating teams’ ability, adding that the negotiators would address “the remaining issues to mutual satisfaction, leading to a balanced, mutually beneficial, and forward-looking free trade agreement.”

UK business and trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds said, “India is the fifth largest economy globally and a vital trading partner for the UK. ” Reynolds added that lowering Indian tariffs will help British exporters to India and will also boost investment in both countries, which supports 60,000 jobs across both countries.

Reynold said, “Striking a deal is important to deliver this Government’s core mission of driving economic growth.”