Mon Feb 03 15:09:52 IST 2025: ## India and UK to Resume Free Trade Agreement Talks
**New Delhi, February 3, 2025** – India and the United Kingdom are set to restart negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) on February 24th, according to an official source. The UK Trade Minister is expected to visit India soon to participate in the discussions.
The FTA talks, initiated in January 2022, were paused during both countries’ general election cycles. The agreement aims to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment by reducing or eliminating customs duties on most goods and easing trade regulations for services.
Indian industry is seeking greater access to the UK market for skilled professionals in IT and healthcare, along with zero-duty access for various goods. Conversely, the UK is pushing for reduced import duties on products like scotch whisky, electric vehicles, lamb, chocolates, and confectionery, as well as expanded access to Indian markets for UK services in telecommunications, legal, and financial sectors.
The recent announcement of increasing the foreign investment limit in India’s insurance sector to 100% may provide momentum to the talks. The FTA, encompassing 26 chapters covering goods, services, investments, and intellectual property rights, is also being negotiated alongside a bilateral investment treaty (BIT).
Bilateral trade between India and the UK saw a rise to $21.34 billion in 2023-24, up from $20.36 billion the previous year. The resumption of talks signals a renewed commitment from both nations to strengthen their economic ties.
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