<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Rishi Sunak held a telephonic conversation on Friday (Nov 3) and discussed the development in West Asia and the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The two leaders also discussed the recent progress on Free Trade Agreement negotiations, said Downing Street, in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About Israel-Hamas war</strong></h2>

<p>“Both leaders expressed deep concern at terrorism, worsening security situation and the loss of civilian lives. They agreed on the need for regional peace, security, stability and continued humanitarian assistance,” said the Indian PM’s Office, in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The leaders also discussed the “deeply distressing situation in the Middle East and condemned Hamas’&nbsp;attacks on Israel,” Sunak’s office said in a readout.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They reiterated that Hamas did not represent the Palestinian people and reflected on the need to de-escalate tensions in the wider region,” it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-35-killed-after-israel-strikes-ambulance-school-in-gaza-says-hamas-run-health-ministry-654931">At least 35 killed after Israel strikes ambulance, school in Gaza, says Hamas-run health ministry</a></strong></p>

<p>This comes as countries including the United Kingdom and the United States have previously said that the Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sunak also “underscored the importance of protecting innocent civilians in Gaza and ensuring aid was able to flow into the country,” said his office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as the UK PM has previously said that they would send millions of dollars worth of humanitarian aid to support civilians in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-uk-pm-rishi-sunak-634224">G20 Summit: PM Modi holds bilateral talks with UK PM Rishi Sunak</a></strong></p>

<p>Last month, India sent nearly 6.5 tonnes of medical aid and 32 tonnes of disaster relief material on an Indian Air Force (IAF) flight to Egypt where it was handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent for the people of Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Bilateral ties and FTA</strong></h2>

<p>The two leaders also agreed on the importance of securing an “ambitious” trade deal, as talks continue over a deal which could be finalised this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The leaders discussed recent progress on Free Trade Agreement negotiations. They agreed on the importance of securing an ambitious deal that benefited both sides,” said a spokeswoman for Sunak’s office said in a readout following the call.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
In an interview with PTI,&nbsp;Sunak, earlier this year had said&nbsp;there was “still some way to go” for a free trade pact with India to be finalised.</p>

<p>PM Modi also congratulated his British counterpart&nbsp;on the successful completion of one year of his tenure in office.</p>

<p>After the call, PM Modi also took to X and said that he discussed “means to strengthen bilateral relations and exchanged views on the situation in West Asia,” with his British counterpart.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-announces-extra-ps20-mn-aid-for-civilians-in-gaza-650412">UK PM Rishi Sunak announces extra £20 million aid for civilians in Gaza</a></strong><br />
<br />
“We agree that there is no place for terror and violence. Death of civilians is a serious concern. Need to work towards regional peace, security, stability and continued humanitarian assistance,” said the Indian PM, in a post on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both leaders agreed to remain in touch and exchanged greetings for the festive occasion of Diwali, PM Modi's office said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The leaders reiterated their commitment to continue to strengthen bilateral ties and Comprehensive Strategic partnership, including in the areas trade, investment, emerging technology, defence, security, health and others, the statement by the PMO added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Rishi Sunak held a telephonic conversation on Friday (Nov 3) and discussed the development in West Asia and the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Rishi Sunak held a telephonic conversation on Friday (Nov 3) and discussed the development in West Asia and the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The two leaders also discussed the recent progress on Free Trade Agreement negotiations, said Downing Street, in a statement. About Israel-Hamas war “Both leaders expressed deep concern at terrorism, worsening security situation and the loss of civilian lives. They agreed on the need for regional peace, security, stability and continued humanitarian assistance,” said the Indian PM’s Office, in a statement. The leaders also discussed the “deeply distressing situation in the Middle East and condemned Hamas’ attacks on Israel,” Sunak’s office said in a readout. “They reiterated that Hamas did not represent the Palestinian people and reflected on the need to de-escalate tensions in the wider region,” it added. ALSO READ | At least 35 killed after Israel strikes ambulance, school in Gaza, says Hamas-run health ministry This comes as countries including the United Kingdom and the United States have previously said that the Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people. Sunak also “underscored the importance of protecting innocent civilians in Gaza and ensuring aid was able to flow into the country,” said his office. This comes as the UK PM has previously said that they would send millions of dollars worth of humanitarian aid to support civilians in Gaza. ALSO READ | G20 Summit: PM Modi holds bilateral talks with UK PM Rishi Sunak Last month, India sent nearly 6.5 tonnes of medical aid and 32 tonnes of disaster relief material on an Indian Air Force (IAF) flight to Egypt where it was handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent for the people of Gaza. Bilateral ties and FTA The two leaders also agreed on the importance of securing an “ambitious” trade deal, as talks continue over a deal which could be finalised this year. “The leaders discussed recent progress on Free Trade Agreement negotiations. They agreed on the importance of securing an ambitious deal that benefited both sides,” said a spokeswoman for Sunak’s office said in a readout following the call. In an interview with PTI, Sunak, earlier this year had said there was “still some way to go” for a free trade pact with India to be finalised. PM Modi also congratulated his British counterpart on the successful completion of one year of his tenure in office. After the call, PM Modi also took to X and said that he discussed “means to strengthen bilateral relations and exchanged views on the situation in West Asia,” with his British counterpart. ALSO READ | UK PM Rishi Sunak announces extra £20 million aid for civilians in Gaza “We agree that there is no place for terror and violence. Death of civilians is a serious concern. Need to work towards regional peace, security, stability and continued humanitarian assistance,” said the Indian PM, in a post on X. Both leaders agreed to remain in touch and exchanged greetings for the festive occasion of Diwali, PM Modi's office said in a statement. The leaders reiterated their commitment to continue to strengthen bilateral ties and Comprehensive Strategic partnership, including in the areas trade, investment, emerging technology, defence, security, health and others, the statement by the PMO added. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM Modi, UK counterpart Rishi Sunak discuss Israel-Hamas war, progress on FTA

<p>UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is currently dealing with a fresh conflict of interest just days before the G20 conference in New Delhi. The dispute stems from concerns over questions around his wife, &nbsp;Akshata Murthy’s Infosys shares, a sizable international IT services and consultancy firm with its headquarters in Bengaluru. The shares are estimated to be worth 500 million pounds and are involved in a potential free trade deal (FTA) with India, according to a report by The Guardian.</p>

<p>According to the report, Infosys might be a major beneficiary of any agreement reached with India, and on August 26 Labour and the chair of the all-party House of Commons business and trade select committee urged Sunak to be more transparent about his wife’s financial interests.</p>

<p>Darren Johns, the Labour chair of the business and trade select committee, suggested that the British PM withdraw entirely from the trade negotiations.</p>

<p>“As the prime minister recently learned, it’s important he declares any interests properly. I expect him to do so in respect of the India trade deal too,"&nbsp;The Guardian&nbsp;quoted Jones as saying.</p>

<p>This latest step comes after Nadine Dorries, a former cultural secretary and strong critic of Sunak, finally submitted her letter of resignation from the House of Commons.</p>

<p>In a separate bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, Sunak, who is scheduled to attend the G20 Summit in Delhi in September, is anticipated to address the trade negotiations between the UK and India.</p>

<p>Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch returned from India this past weekend after having lengthy discussions about the potential FTA.</p>

<p>Sunak had unintentionally failed to properly declare his wife’s shareholding in the child-minding business Koru Kids, which stood to benefit from the government’s budget strategy, according to a report from the UK parliamentary watchdog that was issued earlier this week.</p>

<p>Sunak then expressed his regret for the “inadvertent” violation that had occurred “out of confusion,” and only then was the problem resolved.</p>

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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is currently dealing with a fresh conflict of interest just days before the G20 conference in New Delhi. The dispute stems from concerns over questions around his wife, Akshata Murthy’s Infosys shares, a sizable international IT services and consultancy firm with its headquarters in Bengaluru.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is currently dealing with a fresh conflict of interest just days before the G20 conference in New Delhi. The dispute stems from concerns over questions around his wife, Akshata Murthy’s Infosys shares, a sizable international IT services and consultancy firm with its headquarters in Bengaluru. The shares are estimated to be worth 500 million pounds and are involved in a potential free trade deal (FTA) with India, according to a report by The Guardian. According to the report, Infosys might be a major beneficiary of any agreement reached with India, and on August 26 Labour and the chair of the all-party House of Commons business and trade select committee urged Sunak to be more transparent about his wife’s financial interests. Darren Johns, the Labour chair of the business and trade select committee, suggested that the British PM withdraw entirely from the trade negotiations. “As the prime minister recently learned, it’s important he declares any interests properly. I expect him to do so in respect of the India trade deal too," The Guardian quoted Jones as saying. This latest step comes after Nadine Dorries, a former cultural secretary and strong critic of Sunak, finally submitted her letter of resignation from the House of Commons. In a separate bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, Sunak, who is scheduled to attend the G20 Summit in Delhi in September, is anticipated to address the trade negotiations between the UK and India. Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch returned from India this past weekend after having lengthy discussions about the potential FTA. Sunak had unintentionally failed to properly declare his wife’s shareholding in the child-minding business Koru Kids, which stood to benefit from the government’s budget strategy, according to a report from the UK parliamentary watchdog that was issued earlier this week. Sunak then expressed his regret for the “inadvertent” violation that had occurred “out of confusion,” and only then was the problem resolved. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India-UK FTA involves conflict of interest with Rishi Sunak’s wife Akshata Murthy’s Infosys shares

<p>India and Britain may sign a free-trade agreement (FTA) this year since both nations have reached a consensus on broader structure of the deal, said Reuters citing a top trade ministry official.</p>

<p>"We want to finalise the deal at the earliest," Sunil Barthwal, India's commerce secretary, told reporters on Friday (July 28).</p>

<p>Barthwal said that negotiations on almost all contentious issues were completed. He added that the deal could be signed "much before" the year-end.</p>

<p>India views FTA with Britain as a crucial step to becoming a bigger exporter. The UK meanwhile, would obtain wider access for its whiskey, premium cars and legal services.</p>

<p>If the deal gets signed, it will be India's first with a developed country after its interim trade pact with Australia last year.</p>

<p>Britain has embarked on a search for diversified global trade relationships after its 2020 exit from the European Union.</p>

<p>It comes at a crucial time for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wants to solidify New Delhi's business-friendly image ahead of national elections early next year.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK government to make big investment in childcare as cost of it rise by over 6%</strong></p>

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<p>The 11th round of talks over the deal concluded recently in London when Barthwal and Commerce &amp; Industry Minister Piyush Goyal were in London.</p>

<h2><strong>Things not final yet</strong></h2>

<p>Barthwal said that out of total 26 chapters in the FTA, discussions on 19 have been closed. These include issues related to the sensitive automobile sector.</p>

<p>In spite of all this progress the countries are yet to settle differences over intellectual property rights (IPR), rules of origin and an investment treaty, separate trade ministry sources said.</p>

<p>Consensus has been reached on the issue of rules of investment but custom authorities of both countries are still working out modalities.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-uk-conclude-11th-round-of-negotiations-for-fta-next-round-of-talks-to-take-place-in-coming-months-619027">India, UK conclude 11th round of negotiations for FTA, next round of talks to take place in coming months</a></strong></p>

<p>"Nothing is final till everything is final," he said when asked about details of concessions India was offering to the UK, adding that the next round of negotiations will be held shortly.</p>

<p>India is pushing for a "zero tariff" for textile, leather and other labour-intensive manufacturing sectors while Britain had sought tariff concessions in other areas, said Barthwal.</p>

<p>Bilateral trade between India and the United Kingdom rose 16.6% year-on-year to $20.42 billion in the 2022-23 fiscal year ending in March.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India and Britain may sign a free-trade agreement (FTA) this year since both nations have reached a consensus on broader structure of the deal, said Reuters citing a top trade ministry official.

India and Britain may sign a free-trade agreement (FTA) this year since both nations have reached a consensus on broader structure of the deal, said Reuters citing a top trade ministry official. "We want to finalise the deal at the earliest," Sunil Barthwal, India's commerce secretary, told reporters on Friday (July 28). Barthwal said that negotiations on almost all contentious issues were completed. He added that the deal could be signed "much before" the year-end. India views FTA with Britain as a crucial step to becoming a bigger exporter. The UK meanwhile, would obtain wider access for its whiskey, premium cars and legal services. If the deal gets signed, it will be India's first with a developed country after its interim trade pact with Australia last year. Britain has embarked on a search for diversified global trade relationships after its 2020 exit from the European Union. It comes at a crucial time for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wants to solidify New Delhi's business-friendly image ahead of national elections early next year. Watch | UK government to make big investment in childcare as cost of it rise by over 6% × The 11th round of talks over the deal concluded recently in London when Barthwal and Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal were in London. Things not final yet Barthwal said that out of total 26 chapters in the FTA, discussions on 19 have been closed. These include issues related to the sensitive automobile sector. In spite of all this progress the countries are yet to settle differences over intellectual property rights (IPR), rules of origin and an investment treaty, separate trade ministry sources said. Consensus has been reached on the issue of rules of investment but custom authorities of both countries are still working out modalities. Also Read | India, UK conclude 11th round of negotiations for FTA, next round of talks to take place in coming months "Nothing is final till everything is final," he said when asked about details of concessions India was offering to the UK, adding that the next round of negotiations will be held shortly. India is pushing for a "zero tariff" for textile, leather and other labour-intensive manufacturing sectors while Britain had sought tariff concessions in other areas, said Barthwal. Bilateral trade between India and the United Kingdom rose 16.6% year-on-year to $20.42 billion in the 2022-23 fiscal year ending in March. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Done deal? India-UK free trade agreement may be signed this year: Official

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive meeting with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak on Sunday during which the two leaders reviewed the bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries which included progress in India-UK FTA negotiations.<br />
<br />
PM Modi and Rishi Sunak further agreed to deepen bilateral co-operation across a wide range of areas such as science and technology, trade and investment.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Hiroshima, Japan. <a href="https://t.co/qf1VHiMl9i">pic.twitter.com/qf1VHiMl9i</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1660095586513694722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The two leaders held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit which is being held in Hiroshima, Japan. Before their talks, Modi and Sunak also exchanged a tight hug.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-pm-modi-president-zelenskyy-to-meet-in-hiroshima-594003"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>EXCLUSIVE: Modi, Zelensky to meet in Hiroshima, have first in-person interaction since Russian invasion</a></p>

<h2><strong>Modi calls talks with Sunak 'fruitful'</strong></h2>

<p>"A boost to - Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. PM @narendramodi held productive talks with PM @RishiSunak of the UK in Hiroshima. The two leaders reviewed their Strategic Partnership, including taking stock of progress in India-UK FTA negotiations," tweeted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).<br />
<br />
“Leaders agreed to deepen co-operation across a wide range of areas, such as trade &amp; investment, science &amp; technology, higher education, and people-to-people relationship,” the MEA stated.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, India's PM Modi tweeted, “The meeting with PM @RishiSunak was a very fruitful one. We discussed boosting co-operation in trade, innovation, science and other such sectors.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The meeting with PM <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishiSunak</a> was a very fruitful one. We discussed boosting cooperation in trade, innovation, science and other such sectors. <a href="https://t.co/FI9nI1gc9V">pic.twitter.com/FI9nI1gc9V</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1660114033645846528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Since January 2022, India and the UK have been negotiating an FTA, with a goal towards a comprehensive pact which is expected to significantly increase the bilateral trading relationship which is worth £34 billion ($42 billion) in 2022.<br />
<br />
Last month, both nations ended the ninth round of India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations after holding detailed talks across various policy areas.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | G7 Hiroshima Meet 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi represents India at Summit</strong></p>

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<p><br />
Recently, Britain's Chief Negotiator for the FTA Harjinder Kang was appointed as India's new Trade Commissioner to South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India based in Mumbai.<br />
<br />
As per the official statistics of the UK government, India has been the 12th largest trading partner in the four quarters till the end of Q3 2022, accounting for total UK trade's 2.1 per cent.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, PM Modi&nbsp;visited the Peace Memorial Museum&nbsp;where he saw the documented exhibits and signed the visitor’s book. He also&nbsp;paid floral&nbsp;tributes to the&nbsp;Hiroshima victims at Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prime minister also engaged in a brief conversation with Australian PM Anthony Albanese. India's&nbsp;PM Modi also held&nbsp;bilateral talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.</p>

<p>Modi reached Hiroshima, Japan on Friday for attending the G7 summit's three sessions after receiving an invitation from Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive meeting with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak on Sunday during which the two leaders reviewed the bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries which included progress in India-UK FTA negotiations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive meeting with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak on Sunday during which the two leaders reviewed the bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries which included progress in India-UK FTA negotiations. PM Modi and Rishi Sunak further agreed to deepen bilateral co-operation across a wide range of areas such as science and technology, trade and investment. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Hiroshima, Japan. pic.twitter.com/qf1VHiMl9i — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2023 × The two leaders held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit which is being held in Hiroshima, Japan. Before their talks, Modi and Sunak also exchanged a tight hug. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE: Modi, Zelensky to meet in Hiroshima, have first in-person interaction since Russian invasion Modi calls talks with Sunak 'fruitful' "A boost to - Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. PM @narendramodi held productive talks with PM @RishiSunak of the UK in Hiroshima. The two leaders reviewed their Strategic Partnership, including taking stock of progress in India-UK FTA negotiations," tweeted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). “Leaders agreed to deepen co-operation across a wide range of areas, such as trade & investment, science & technology, higher education, and people-to-people relationship,” the MEA stated. Meanwhile, India's PM Modi tweeted, “The meeting with PM @RishiSunak was a very fruitful one. We discussed boosting co-operation in trade, innovation, science and other such sectors.” The meeting with PM @RishiSunak was a very fruitful one. We discussed boosting cooperation in trade, innovation, science and other such sectors. pic.twitter.com/FI9nI1gc9V — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2023 × Since January 2022, India and the UK have been negotiating an FTA, with a goal towards a comprehensive pact which is expected to significantly increase the bilateral trading relationship which is worth £34 billion ($42 billion) in 2022. Last month, both nations ended the ninth round of India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations after holding detailed talks across various policy areas. WATCH | G7 Hiroshima Meet 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi represents India at Summit Recently, Britain's Chief Negotiator for the FTA Harjinder Kang was appointed as India's new Trade Commissioner to South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India based in Mumbai. As per the official statistics of the UK government, India has been the 12th largest trading partner in the four quarters till the end of Q3 2022, accounting for total UK trade's 2.1 per cent. Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited the Peace Memorial Museum where he saw the documented exhibits and signed the visitor’s book. He also paid floral tributes to the Hiroshima victims at Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima. The prime minister also engaged in a brief conversation with Australian PM Anthony Albanese. India's PM Modi also held bilateral talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Modi reached Hiroshima, Japan on Friday for attending the G7 summit's three sessions after receiving an invitation from Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Bilateral at G7: Modi, Sunak review FTA progress, agree to deepen cooperation on trade & investment

<p>The negotiations for an ambitious Free Trade Agreement between Britain and India are "well advanced", United Kingdom's Foreign Office Minister for South Asia, Lord Tariq Ahmed said in a parliamentary debate in London's House of Lords. Ahmed added that the next round of FTA talks between New Delhi and London will commence very soon, with his fellow parliamentarians raising India's ambitious economic profile and New Delhi's G20 presidency as determinant factors to ensure an FTA deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Successive governments led by various Prime Ministers in Britain have asserted in the past that India being one of the world’s biggest economies is central to Britain's foreign policy.</p>

<p>"It is true that, as we set up and strengthen this relationship, the United Kingdom’s relationship with India is central to U.K. foreign policy,"&nbsp;Ahmad asserted in the House of Lords, repeating Britain's stance on elevated New Delhi-London ties.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-uk-india-hold-sixth-round-of-free-trade-agreement-talks-542415">WION Dispatch: UK, India hold sixth round of free trade agreement talks</a></strong></p>

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<p>"As one of the world’s biggest and fastest-growing economies, India is a key partner to the UK. We are also looking at lowering non-tariff barriers on medical devices to benefit British exporters, and are well advanced in our negotiations for an ambitious and balanced free trade agreement,"&nbsp;he said.</p>

<p>Ahmad was responding to the debate entitled 'The Importance of the Relationship Between the United Kingdom and India' in the House of Lords on Thursday, tabled by British Indian peer Baroness Sandy Verma.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/britains-sunak-tells-pm-modi-that-excited-about-what-our-two-great-democracies-can-achieve-528949">'Excited about what our two great democracies can achieve', Rishi Sunak tells PM Modi</a></strong></p>

<p>A strong trade deal with India could boost the U.K. economy by billions of pounds over the long term, helping families across the country, he said.</p>

<p>"Cutting red tape and high tariffs could also make it easier and cheaper for UK&nbsp;companies to sell in India, driving growth and supporting jobs,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>Six rounds of FTA talks done so far</strong></p>

<p>The minister said that so far India and the UK have completed six rounds of talks. In a statement of assurance, he said that as a mark of mutual agreement between New Delhi and London, the two sides are assuring that the FTA deal is not rushed but properly thought through.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I assure them that we are working those through specifically, but it was very much by mutual agreement to ensure that the trade deal signed is not rushed but properly thought through, and that all chapters are discussed in an exhaustive manner so that we reach a deal that is of mutual benefit to both countries and their peoples,” the Minister said.</p>

<p>According to official UK&nbsp;government data, India-U.K. bilateral trade currently stands at around 29.6 billion pounds a year (36.67 billion dollars).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>UK-India FTA talks: From Johnson to Sunak via Truss</strong></p>

<p>London and New Delhi formally launched Free Trade Agreement talks in January 2022, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson was at the helm of affairs. The talks began after years of backchannel negotiations between the two sides, The Times reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Johnson set Diwali as the deadline for a Free Trade Agreement with India. The initial deadline could not be honoured for unspecified reasons amid political uncertainty with frequent changes in the 10, Downing Street officeholders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak committed to working "at pace" towards an FTA that does not “sacrifice quality for speed” after the Diwali deadline was missed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lord Karan Bilimoria spoke of the need for large prime ministerial delegations to India and called on Prime Minister Sunak to lead one “as soon as possible”.</p>

<p>"Today India has the presidency of the G20. Today India has a vision to become, in the next 25 years, the second-largest economy in the world with a GDP of $32 billion," he said.</p>

<p>"The Indian express has left the station. It is now the fastest train in the world—the fastest-growing major economy in the world. The UK must be its closest and most trusted friend and partner in the decades ahead," he added.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)</p>

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The negotiations for an ambitious Free Trade Agreement between Britain and India are "well advanced", United Kingdom's Foreign Office Minister for South Asia, Lord Tariq Ahmed said in a parliamentary debate in London's House of Lords.

The negotiations for an ambitious Free Trade Agreement between Britain and India are "well advanced", United Kingdom's Foreign Office Minister for South Asia, Lord Tariq Ahmed said in a parliamentary debate in London's House of Lords. Ahmed added that the next round of FTA talks between New Delhi and London will commence very soon, with his fellow parliamentarians raising India's ambitious economic profile and New Delhi's G20 presidency as determinant factors to ensure an FTA deal. Successive governments led by various Prime Ministers in Britain have asserted in the past that India being one of the world’s biggest economies is central to Britain's foreign policy. "It is true that, as we set up and strengthen this relationship, the United Kingdom’s relationship with India is central to U.K. foreign policy," Ahmad asserted in the House of Lords, repeating Britain's stance on elevated New Delhi-London ties. ALSO WATCH | WION Dispatch: UK, India hold sixth round of free trade agreement talks × "As one of the world’s biggest and fastest-growing economies, India is a key partner to the UK. We are also looking at lowering non-tariff barriers on medical devices to benefit British exporters, and are well advanced in our negotiations for an ambitious and balanced free trade agreement," he said. Ahmad was responding to the debate entitled 'The Importance of the Relationship Between the United Kingdom and India' in the House of Lords on Thursday, tabled by British Indian peer Baroness Sandy Verma. ALSO READ | 'Excited about what our two great democracies can achieve', Rishi Sunak tells PM Modi A strong trade deal with India could boost the U.K. economy by billions of pounds over the long term, helping families across the country, he said. "Cutting red tape and high tariffs could also make it easier and cheaper for UK companies to sell in India, driving growth and supporting jobs,” he added. Six rounds of FTA talks done so far The minister said that so far India and the UK have completed six rounds of talks. In a statement of assurance, he said that as a mark of mutual agreement between New Delhi and London, the two sides are assuring that the FTA deal is not rushed but properly thought through. "I assure them that we are working those through specifically, but it was very much by mutual agreement to ensure that the trade deal signed is not rushed but properly thought through, and that all chapters are discussed in an exhaustive manner so that we reach a deal that is of mutual benefit to both countries and their peoples,” the Minister said. According to official UK government data, India-U.K. bilateral trade currently stands at around 29.6 billion pounds a year (36.67 billion dollars). UK-India FTA talks: From Johnson to Sunak via Truss London and New Delhi formally launched Free Trade Agreement talks in January 2022, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson was at the helm of affairs. The talks began after years of backchannel negotiations between the two sides, The Times reported. Johnson set Diwali as the deadline for a Free Trade Agreement with India. The initial deadline could not be honoured for unspecified reasons amid political uncertainty with frequent changes in the 10, Downing Street officeholders. The current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak committed to working "at pace" towards an FTA that does not “sacrifice quality for speed” after the Diwali deadline was missed. Lord Karan Bilimoria spoke of the need for large prime ministerial delegations to India and called on Prime Minister Sunak to lead one “as soon as possible”. "Today India has the presidency of the G20. Today India has a vision to become, in the next 25 years, the second-largest economy in the world with a GDP of $32 billion," he said. "The Indian express has left the station. It is now the fastest train in the world—the fastest-growing major economy in the world. The UK must be its closest and most trusted friend and partner in the decades ahead," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK says FTA talks with India ‘well advanced’, seventh round soon

United Kingdom's Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch will be in Delhi from today as the 6th round of FTA negotiations between the UK and India begin. Both sides are working on an ambitious trade pact that aims to ease customs duties on goods.

UK trade secretary arrives in Delhi to discuss Free Trade Agreement

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