India and UK Resume Free Trade Talks After Year-Long Pause

Negotiations aim to finalize a comprehensive agreement addressing tariffs, market access, and business mobility to boost bilateral trade.

India and the UK have restarted free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations after an eight-month suspension due to elections in both countries.
The talks aim to triple bilateral trade, currently valued at $21.34 billion, over the next decade by resolving tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Key sticking points include India's tariffs on automobiles and Scotch whisky, the UK’s push for services access, and India's call for easier business mobility for its professionals.
Both nations are also negotiating a bilateral investment treaty and a double contribution convention alongside the FTA for a more comprehensive economic partnership.
UK Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasized the deal as a top priority, while Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stressed a balanced, mutually beneficial approach.