India, U.K. close to concluding FTA talks, working to iron out issues on IPRs, rules of origin
The Hindu
India and the U.K. are “very close” to concluding negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement as both sides are working to iron out differences on issues. The 11th round of talks was concluded recently
India and the U.K. are "very close" to concluding negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement as both sides are working to iron out differences on issues including investment treaty, intellectual property rights (IPRs) and rules of origin, a senior government official said on July 28.
The official also said there is a broad consensus on matters related to auto and spirits, however, "nothing is agreed till everything is agreed".
The 11th round of talks was concluded recently. For that round, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal visited London and took stock of the negotiations.
Also Read | India-U.K. FTA: Half the chapters in pact agreed on
The official exuded confidence that the negotiations will be concluded this year.
"We are very close and are trying to conclude the talks as early as possible," the official added.
Out of the total 26 chapters in the FTA, 19 have been closed.
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