Tue Nov 19 01:25:29 UTC 2024: ## UK and India to Resume Free Trade Agreement Talks in New Year

**Rio de Janeiro, Brazil –** Following a bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the resumption of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) in the new year. The talks, initially launched in 2022, were stalled following UK elections.

The FTA aims to boost bilateral trade, currently valued at £42 billion (USD 53.2 billion) annually. While most of the 26 negotiating chapters have been completed, the process has spanned multiple rounds of talks and two UK Prime Ministers.

“A new trade deal with India will support jobs and prosperity in the UK,” stated Prime Minister Starmer. UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds added, “India is a vital trading partner for the UK, and we believe there’s a good deal to be done here.”

Beyond trade, the leaders discussed enhanced cooperation in technology, security, climate change, and education. The meeting also saw the announcement of two new Indian consulates in Belfast and Manchester.

India raised concerns about economic offenders residing in the UK, a matter that includes the extradition requests for Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi. While both countries emphasized their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the future of the 2021 “2030 Roadmap” remains unclear.

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