Modi, Sunak hold talks over stalled UK FTA deal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Rishi Sunak reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership late Tuesday night during a telephonic conversation.

Modi announced the dialogue through a post on microblogging site X, earlier known as Twitter.

The Indian prime minister posted that he had a “good conversation” with Sunak and that both leaders agreed to work toward the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial free trade agreement (FTA).

The phone conversation comes soon after India and the four nations in the European Free Trade Association—Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein—signed an FTA.

With India’s general election approaching in April-May, a breakthrough on a deal appears unlikely to occur before a new government is elected, Britain’s The Independent reported.

India and the UK have been holding several rounds of negotiations to finalize an FTA since January 2022.

The 14th round of negotiations for an FTA was held in New Delhi in January and was considered the last one.

Against the backdrop of the previous rounds of negotiations, top officials in the ministry of commerce said both countries have either closed a majority of the chapters or are in advanced state of negotiations.

The official said the discussions were being simultaneously held at the team level and at higher levels to iron out differences.

In a post on X, Modi said, “Had a good conversation with PM @RishiSunak. We reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and work for early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement.”

During the phone call, both leaders also exchanged views on the regional and global developments of mutual interest.

Both leaders also agreed to remain in touch and exchanged greetings on the upcoming festive occasion of Holi.