India-UK expressed commitment to FTA in strategic dialogue, 2030 roadmap reviewed
UK: Sir Philip Barton said that during the review of the 2030 roadmap, representatives of both countries acknowledged that good progress has been made in this direction after the meeting in January.
India and Britain once again expressed their commitment to the free trade agreement between the two countries. India's Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra is on a visit to Britain for the annual strategic dialogue between India and Britain. During this, Quatra met Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary of Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. After this meeting, Sir Philip Barton said that a commitment was made to a free trade agreement between the two countries. The roadmap for the year 2030 was also reviewed.
Sir Philip Barton said that during the review of the 2030 roadmap, representatives of both countries acknowledged that good progress had been made in this direction since the meeting in January. Cooperation has increased on the world's first malaria vaccine, along both countries have also worked together towards the presidency of G20 and creating more opportunities for students and entrepreneurs. Positive discussions were also held on free trade agreements and increasing defense cooperation between the two countries.
It is noteworthy that in the year 2021, the roadmap for 2030 was agreed upon between India and Britain. Under this, both countries will increase cooperation in health, climate, trade, education, science, technology, and defense sectors. So far, 13 rounds of talks have taken place between the two countries regarding FTA and the 14th round of talks started in January. There are 26 chapters under the Free Trade Agreement, which deal with issues like goods, services, investment, and intellectual property rights.
The Indian industry wants more opportunities for its IT and healthcare professionals in Britain under the FTA. It also wants Britain to waive customs duty on a number of goods. In addition, Britain ought to waive customs taxes on electric cars, meat, chocolate, Scotch whisky, and other food products. In order to strengthen its position in India's financial, legal, and communication sectors, Britain also wants relief. India and the United Kingdom had $17.5 billion in bilateral trade in 2021–2022, but that amount has since risen to $20.36 billion.
