India, U.K. working intensively to meet Diwali deadline for FTA
The Hindu
In a joint outcome statement on the ongoing FTA negotiations the Department for International Trade said the fifth round involved detailed draft treaty text discussion
India and the UK will continue to work intensively to meet the Diwali deadline at the end of October for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) announced during the India visit of outgoing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a U.K. government statement said.
In a joint outcome statement on the ongoing FTA negotiations released on Wednesday evening, the Department for International Trade (DIT) said the fifth round involved detailed draft treaty text discussion over 85 separate sessions and 15 policy areas.
The latest round concluded on July 29, with the next due to be held in the U.K. later this month.
“Indian and UK officials will continue to work intensively throughout the summer towards our target to conclude the majority of talks on a comprehensive and balanced Free Trade Agreement by the end of October 2022,” the DIT statement said.
“Negotiation officials undertook these technical talks in a hybrid fashion – with some of the teams meeting in New Delhi, India, and the majority of officials joining virtually. For this round of negotiations, technical experts from both sides came together for detailed draft treaty text discussions in 85 separate sessions covering 15 policy areas,” it said.
The statement follows Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s statement earlier this week at the Vyapari Udyami Sammelan in New Delhi that negotiations for the India-U.K. FTA are “moving at a faster pace”. He was comparing this to the recently concluded trade deal with the UAE, which the minister said was done in “record time”.
Last month, The House of Commons International Agreements Committee, in a report entitled ‘UK-India free trade agreement: Scrutiny of the Government’s Negotiating Objectives’, questioned the Diwali deadline set for the conclusion of the negotiations by Mr. Johnson during his visit to India in April.
India Justice Report 2025-26 reveals declining budget allocations for justice-related schemes, with underutilization of funds in recent years.
SEC seeks Indian assistance in investigating Adani Group for securities fraud and bribery scheme, ongoing efforts to serve complaint.
2025 TVS RONIN: Retro aesthetics meet cutting-edge technology with vibrant colors and enhanced safety features.
LIC introduces Smart Pension Plan with various annuity options, minimum purchase price of ₹1 lakh, and digital sales support.
Government ensures protection of exporters and people's interests, adapting to global changes, challenges, and increasing exports significantly.
Rupee closes at 86.96 against USD due to foreign fund outflows and rising Dollar index.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath urges opposition to contribute positively in Budget Session for smooth legislative proceedings.
Tesla's job postings in Mumbai Suburban hint at potential entry into Indian market, following Elon Musk's visit with PM Modi.
Qatar ready to fast track negotiations for new investment agreement with India, focusing on trade diversification and technology.
India's aerospace sector is booming, with local firms like Hical and JJG Aero expanding rapidly to meet global demand.
Rupee weakens against dollar due to foreign fund outflows, negative equities trend; RBI support waning; trade deficit widens.
Samsung Electronics has decided to cancel 3.05 trillion won ($2.11 billion) worth of its own shares, the company said.
Concerns over stagnant income levels overshadowed optimism about reduced expenses among urban consumers