India and the United Kingdom are set to resume talks for a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) this week. An official Indian delegation will visit London to discuss the remaining issues in the negotiation.
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal confirmed that a team will be traveling to the UK this week to address the few pending issues. He declined to specify the exact issues, but a commerce ministry presentation indicated that a couple of key priority issues are being ironed out to achieve a balanced outcome. The majority of difficult issues are reportedly nearing resolution.
These talks will be part of the 14th round of negotiations between India and the UK, which began in March 2022. The negotiations gained momentum in recent months and were close to completion, but the General Elections in India have slowed the process. However, it is expected that a deal may be signed soon after the new government is elected.
The remaining issues include the UK's request for greater market access and lower tariffs for products like whiskeys and automobiles. India, on the other hand, seeks more visas for its professionals and social security payments for Indian professionals working temporarily in the UK who do not qualify for pensions.
Meanwhile, India and the European Union are also planning to start the eighth round of negotiations for their FTA, likely in May or June this year in Brussels. Both sides have agreed to meet virtually to discuss some chapters before the commencement of the next round. The seventh round of talks between the two was held in February.