Next round of India-UK free trade talks on April 24

ROME: India and the UK are scheduled to hold the next round of trade talks on April 24, signalling that they are keen to move ahead with the proposed free trade agreement (FTA).

Government sources told TOI that both the sides are keen to resolve the contentious issues at the earliest with concerns around the pro-Khalistan supporters targeting the Indian High Commission in London being taken up in the political track.

There were recent reports suggesting that the talks have been put on hold due to the mounting tensions between the two countries. Officials, however, dismissed it as baseless and argued that the negotiations are expected to continue later this month with some of the issues that are on the table likely to be resolved in the coming months.

In fact, some of the Indian businesses such as those in the textiles and garment space are keen that the agreement is clinched at the earliest since they see themselves to be as competitive as exporters from Bangladesh but argue that they have been losing out due to lower duty access.

"If the agreement happens, we could straightaway get a significant advantage and exports will rise by around $1 billion in two years," a leading garment exporter said. Even as India is negotiating an agreement with the European Union too, the UK is seen to be an easier bet, although the Rishi Sunak administration is often seen to be speaking in two voices on the issue - seeking to address domestic concerns over immigration issues with the business interests.

India and the UK started negotiations after Brexit as the government was keen to ensure that its professionals and business workers get access to the large English-speaking market along with lower-duty access for garments and leather goods, in return for reduced import duty on Scotch and automobiles.

But talks have slowed down in the last year or so after Boris Johnson stepped down as the British PM with the two sides missing the Diwali deadline. March was the unofficial target to clinch the deal.

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