Fri Feb 07 16:02:11 UTC 2025: ## UK to Relaunch FTA Talks with India Amidst Immigration Concerns

**London, February 7, 2025** – The United Kingdom will resume negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with India later this month, Downing Street announced. UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will travel to India to relaunch the talks, which were paused in March 2024 before both countries held elections.

The announcement confirms the Labour government’s commitment to the FTA, despite concerns about immigration. While India seeks easier movement of its citizens for service delivery in sectors like healthcare and IT, the UK aims for tariff reductions on goods such as whiskey and electric vehicles, and improved market access for its services sector.

UK officials emphasized a distinction between temporary business mobility and permanent immigration, stating that the two are separate issues. This clarification comes in response to questions about how the UK’s stricter immigration policies under Prime Minister Kier Starmer will affect the FTA negotiations. India has previously stated that visa access is not its primary concern in these talks, focusing instead on facilitating the temporary movement of individuals under Mode 4 of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).

The two countries have already completed 14 rounds of negotiations since the talks began in January 2022. The relaunch of the FTA discussions signifies a renewed commitment from both sides to strengthen their economic ties.

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Fri Feb 07 16:02:11 UTC 2025: **UK to Relaunch FTA Talks with India Amidst Immigration Concerns**

London, February 7, 2025 – The United Kingdom will relaunch stalled Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with India later this month, Downing Street announced. UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will travel to India to restart talks that were paused in March 2024 before both countries held elections.

The UK government confirmed its commitment to the deal, despite concerns over immigration. While India seeks easier movement of its citizens for services in sectors like healthcare and IT, the UK aims for tariff reductions on goods such as whiskey and electric vehicles, and improved market access for its services sector.

A UK Foreign Affairs spokesperson emphasized that temporary business mobility for service delivery (under GATS Mode 4) is distinct from permanent immigration, assuring that these remain separate issues. This clarification addresses potential conflicts with Prime Minister Kier Starmer’s tough stance on immigration. India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, previously stated that visas weren’t India’s top priority in these talks.

The two countries have completed 14 rounds of negotiations since the talks began in January 2022. The relaunch signifies a renewed commitment from both sides to forging a comprehensive trade agreement.

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