PM Modi, UK PM Keir Starmer agree to resume India-UK FTA talks | India News

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Keir Starmer agreed to resume negotiations on the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at an early date in what was their first bilateral meeting since Starmer assumed office earlier this year. In the meeting, which took place on the margins of the G20 summit in Rio De Janeiro, Modi also stressed the need for bringing to justice economic offenders who have taken shelter in the UK.
According to an Indian readout, the leaders expressed confidence in the ability of the negotiating teams to address the remaining issues to “mutual satisfaction, leading to a balanced, mutually beneficial and forward-looking FTA”.
According to a UK press release, Starmer announced “relaunch” of the trade talks in the new year. “A new trade deal with India will support jobs and prosperity in the UK – and represent a step forward in our mission to deliver growth and opportunity across our country,” said Starmer. The UK said in its statement that it is committed to negotiating a trade deal with India and will seek a new strategic partnership, including a trade agreement, as well as deepening co-operation in areas like security, education, technology and climate change.
Starmer was later quoted as saying by the British media though that while a deal would unlock economic growth, it could not come at the expense of higher migration and that the UK’s position on migration had not changed. “Clearly, government’s position on reducing net migration comes first and foremost. We will obviously only agree deals that are rooted in the in the UK national interest,” said a spokesperson for the PM.
Modi announced establishment of two new Indian consulates in Belfast and Manchester, acknowledging the growing business ties and the need to better serve the consular requirements of the Indian community. “The PM noted the importance of addressing the issue of economic offenders from India in the UK. The two leaders also agreed on the need to make progress on issues related to migration and mobility,” said the Indian government.
“Expressing satisfaction at the progress in the bilateral relationship, the two prime ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with a focus on economy, trade and new and emerging technologies, research and innovation, green finance and people-to-people contacts. They exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including on international and regional issues of significance,” it added. On the FTA, UK business and trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds said India is a vital trading partner for the UK and “there is a good deal to be done here that works for both nations”.
“Whether it’s lowering Indian tariffs to help British firms export to this dynamic market or boosting investment which already supports over 600,000 jobs across both countries, striking a deal is important to deliver this Government’s core mission of driving economic growth,” he said.