Senior officials representing British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s team landed in New Delhi this week to accelerate ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom , as The Guardian reported on Saturday.
While there is no official statement from either side confirming the visit, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is eager to finalize the FTA by the end of February, before Modi launches in an early election campaign.
2024 marks an election year for both countries, and signing a trade deal with India could boost Sunak’s appeal with voters, particularly amid signs of discontent with the ruling Conservatives.
An official closely involved in the discussions revealed to the newspaper: « The agreement is still in progress and we believe it is achievable before both countries go into elections. There is a mutual desire to achieve this . »
Negotiations for the India-UK FTA began in January last year, initially targeting the Diwali 2022 deadline set by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
After 13 rounds of negotiations since the start, the Sunak-led Conservative government is cautious about setting specific new deadlines to reach a deal that is expected to significantly increase the £36 billion bilateral trade partnership.
A spokesperson for the Department of Trade and Business (DBT) reiterated the UK government’s official position, saying: « The UK and India continue to pursue an ambitious trade deal that serves the interests of both nations. Our commitment remains to sign a fair and balanced agreement. agreement which is ultimately in the best interests of the British people and the economy. »
Recently, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar confirmed that the FTA was among the agenda items during his visit to the UK last month. He expressed confidence that the two sides would reach a consensus that would serve their mutual interests.
« We have made substantial progress…I believe both sides recognize the importance of the FTA and will make all efforts to achieve it. Therefore, we need to be patient, » Jaishankar told reporters after meeting Sunak and other senior Cabinet ministers.
During his visit in November, the minister also discussed FTA negotiations with UK opposition leaders, meeting Labor leader Keir Starmer and shadow foreign secretary David Lammy.
Initially, it was expected that Sunak, a cricket enthusiast, would use cricket diplomacy during the England-India World Cup clash in Lucknow on October 29 to finalize the much-anticipated FTA. However, internal political upheaval within the Conservative Party and global tensions such as the Israel-Hamas conflict are said to have diverted attention.
« We are close to completing it… We will finalize it in due time, » British Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch remarked when asked about deadlines during a House committee session municipalities.
