Despite shock over Braverman’s comments on Indian diaspora, officials say they hope to outline India-UK FTA soon
Despite shock over Braverman’s comments on Indian diaspora, officials say they hope to outline India-UK FTA soon
Despite setbacks to trade talks above Comments from the British Home Secretary Last week, officials in both the UK and India said they hope to conclude the India-UK free trade agreement soon, if not before the “Deepavali deadline” of late October. officials confirmed Hindu Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit is being planned for early November, when a Framework FTA will be signed between the prime minister and British Prime Minister Liz Truss on broad areas of the agreement, while other unresolved issues will be dealt with later. .
Asked on Wednesday whether the British government still expected to conclude the deal by Diwali (24 October), Ms Truss’s spokesperson said: “Yes, we are working on this high ambition free trade deal which Will put the UK at the forefront of the supply line for India’s growing middle class,” according to Reuters News agency.
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in written reply HinduA UK Department of International Trade spokesman said the FTA was a “high-ambition* agreement” and they would not comment on “live talks”. “We are clear that we will not sacrifice quality for speed, and will only sign When we have an agreement that serves the interests of both the countries,” the spokesperson said.
Talks between Indian and UK trade officials suffered a setback after British Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s critical comments on illegal Indian migrants last week were opposed by India. Meanwhile, pending issues including over mobility, data localization regulation, reduced tariffs on Scotch whiskey as well as access to legal services remain unresolved, despite push from both sides to terminate the deal, which Modi- Johnson was seen at the summit. April this year, and because of Diwali.
“There are many sticking points on both sides. From the UK side, they are pushing India to allow financial and legal services for UK firms, while from India, it is pushing for a friendly immigration and visa regime,” said a person familiar with the development. Told The Hindu.
The official said the comments and stand by the UK’s new Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who had expressed “reservations” about an agreement that would enhance Indian migration and mobility, only added to the contentious issue of mobility and immigration and liberal visas. is extended. Governance for the Indian side, and that India remained steadfast that mobility issues are an important part of the FTA.
on Wednesday, UK based Times The newspaper had even said that the FTA talks were “on the verge of disintegration”, citing Indian government officials who wanted PM Truss to publicly distance himself from Ms Braverman’s remarks.
In addition, controversy has arisen about India’s decision not to reinstate e-visas for UK citizens, possibly in response to the UK’s protracted delays on visas, which have led to thousands of British travelers, diplomats said. Traders have raised complaints and cancellations, diplomats said.
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However, despite differences, the two sides have decided to sign a “comprehensive FTA” at the earliest while continuing to negotiate the sticking points, sources said, and have even indicated that Mr. Modi may be in the UK as early as 7 November. -8.
According to other government sources, PM Modi has a hectic itinerary, considering a possible visit to Moscow for the Bali G-20 summit in mid-November as well as the annual summit with Mr Putin. He will also chair a meeting of the United Nations Security Council during the month of India’s presidency in December as well as a possible visit to Washington. Apart from this, Modi’s schedule is also likely to change significantly in the assembly elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh due in December.
During his visit to London, Mr Modi is also expected to meet British King Charles III, and personally condoled the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth. Earlier this year, a visit to India and Pakistan was proposed for November by the then Prince Charles, as they celebrate 75 years of independence, but was postponed due to scheduling issues.