The United Kingdom and the Republic of India concluded the first round of talks for an India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The negotiations were productive and reflected the UK and India’s shared ambition to secure a comprehensive deal to boost trade between two of the largest economies in the world. 

Both sides acknowledge the importance of ensuring this first round could proceed despite the current challenges related to the pandemic.

During this round, technical experts from both sides came together for discussions in over thirty separate sessions covering twenty-six policy areas including Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property, Customs and Trade Facilitation, Trade and Development, and many others. 

Both teams hope to seal the negotiations by the end of this year – as part of both sides’ efforts to secure a comprehensive agreement, Chief Negotiators will continue to consider the benefits of an Interim Agreement. 

The second round of negotiations is due to take place between the 7th and the 18th of March.

Cover photo: Twitter @Ani / British Poles

Author: Sebastien Meuwissen