Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently engaged in a telephone conversation, reaffirming their commitment to bolster the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Britain. The leaders discussed various aspects of this partnership, with a particular focus on advancing the negotiations for a mutually beneficial India-UK Free Trade Agreement.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), PM Modi expressed satisfaction with the dialogue, highlighting the determination to strengthen the relationship between the two nations and work towards the early conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement.
The conversation between PM Modi and PM Sunak also emphasized the progress made under the Roadmap 2030, covering a wide range of areas such as trade, investment, defense, security, and emerging technologies. The leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, further cementing the ties between India and the UK.
Additionally, both leaders extended warm greetings to each other ahead of the festive occasion of Holi and agreed to maintain regular communication.
Regarding the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, there have been positive indications from UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch, who suggested that the deal could potentially be concluded before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Currently, the negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement are in their 14th round, with both sides optimistic about reaching a mutually beneficial agreement to enhance their existing trading partnership, which is currently valued at GBP 36 billion.
