- Tuesday, November 26, 2024
The Modi government also said that the visit of the Indian commerce minister to London this week played a key role in overcoming hurdles.
By: Shubham Ghosh
THE Narendra Modi government on Wednesday (12) announced that talks for a free-trade agreement between India and the UK are in a crucial phase, and the visit of the Indian commerce minister to London this week has played a significant role in overcoming hurdles.
Piyush Goyal, the Indian commerce and industry minister, concluded his visit to London the same day. He also met a delegation from the European Free Trade Association during the visit.
Indian sources said in May that the two nations were facing challenges in making progress in the free-trade talks because of differences on some key tariff lines and investment protection rules.
A spokesperson for the UK’s business and trade department, when asked about the Indian government’s remarks, said both countries aimed to secure the most favourable deal while acknowledging the presence of ambitious demands on either side.
“We are continuing to negotiate but we are clear that we will only sign when we have a deal that is fair, balanced, and ultimately in the best interests of the British people and the economy,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying by Reuters.
The 11th round of negotiations between the two countries kicked off on July 5 and is due to conclude on Friday (14).
