India, UK resume negotiations for proposed FTA; bilateral trade likely to double in next 10 years: Goyal

25 Feb 2025 Evaluate

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said that India and the UK resumed their negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA), which is expected to double or even triple bilateral trade from the current $20 billion in the next 10 years. Goyal made a case for faster and liberal issuance of visas for smooth movement of businessmen and professionals, besides a social security agreement to avoid double contribution to social security funds by Indian professionals working for limited period in Britain.

The 14th round of negotiations for the FTA, which began on January 10 last year, was underway till May 2024 when the process was paused by the UK side due to their elections. The resumption of talks would aim to addressing issues which are yet not ironed out. The Indian industry is demanding greater access for its skilled professionals from sectors like IT and healthcare in the UK market, besides market access for several goods at nil customs duty. On the other hand, the UK is seeking a significant cut in import duties on goods such as scotch whiskey, electric vehicles, lamb meat, chocolates and certain confectionary items.

Britain is also looking for more opportunities for UK services in Indian markets in segments like telecommunications, legal and financial services, including banking and insurance. According to Goyal, both sides have the flexibility to significantly reduce tariffs to make their businesses more competitive. The negotiations have started after a gap of over eight months due to elections. The talks are happening after the UK general elections that resulted into the Labour Party coming to power. The negotiations were launched on January 13, 2022.

Goyal said it’s never ‘too early’ or ‘too late’ to conclude a good agreement as these pacts are for a long-term future. He added ‘One has to crystal gaze may be 20-30-50 years into the future and make a robust agreement which is a win-win for both sides and therefore neither should we rush into things, but it’s always good to conclude fast. So we will have speed, but not haste’. 


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