November 29, 2022
2 mins read

Sunak reiterates UK’s commitment to FTA with India

He also criticized the human rights abuses taking place in China while putting forward his stance on foreign policy…reports Asian Lite News

Delivering his first major address on UK Foreign Policy, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday emphasized the importance of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India that aims to strengthen the domestic economy.

This comes as India and UK are engaged in FTA negotiations, which began in January this year, aiming to advance trade and investment relations between them. Both countries currently have a multi-dimensional strategic partnership and actively engage in bilateral trade. “By 2050, the Indo-Pacific will deliver over half of global growth…compared with just a quarter from Europe and North America combined. That’s why we’re joining the Trans-Pacific trade deal, the CPTPP, delivering a new FTA with India, and pursuing one with Indonesia,” Sunak said in his address at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet at London’s Guildhall.

On the world’s second-largest economy, Sunak asserted that the “golden era” between Britain and China is “now over” and that it is time to evolve the approach towards China as the country is posing a systemic challenge to UK’s values and interest with its authoritarian rule.
He also criticized the human rights abuses taking place in China while putting forward his stance on foreign policy.

“Let’s be clear, the so-called ‘golden era’ is over, along with the naive idea that trade would lead to social and political reform. We recognise China poses a systemic challenge to our values and interests, a challenge that grows more acute as it moves towards even greater authoritarianism,” the UK PM said in his address.

In his speech, Sunak also extended support to Ukraine saying that the UK stands with the war-ravaged country. He said that Britain is also reinvigorating its European relationships to tackle challenges like security and tackling migration.

The UK Prime Minister also expressed concern over the ongoing protests in China against COVID lockdowns. Highlighted the recent arrest of the BBC reporter in China, Sunak said that instead of listening to people’s concerns, the Chinese government “has chosen to crack down further”.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Shanghai, where people were being bundled into police cars. Students have also demonstrated at universities in Beijing and Nanjing. (ANI)

ALSO READ-‘Golden era of UK-China ties over’

Previous Story

B’desh has special place in India’s Neighbourhood First policy, says President Murmu

Next Story

Manchester Museum exploring the tie between South Asia and Britain’s legacy

Latest from -Top News

Visa Interview Pause Nearing End, Says US

India is the source country for the largest group of international students in the US and Bruce’s comments will be closely followed there….reports Asian Lite News The United States said the pause

White House: Israel OKs Gaza Truce

Hamas said Thursday that its leadership had received a new Gaza ceasefire proposal from Witkoff through the mediators and was studying it…reports Asian Lite News The White House said that Israel has

No Talks Till Terror Ends: India to Pakistan

The MEA’s strong response came at a time when Pakistan, pushed on the backfoot by India’s decisive Operation Sindoor, has suddenly started talking about its intent on having peace talks with India….reports

BNP ramps up poll demand

Chief Adviser Yunus had earlier promised elections in December 2025, but the timeline has since been pushed back first to February 2026 and then to June 2026, fuelling suspicion and dissatisfaction among

Saudi backs India’s strategic outreach

In a series of engagements, the Indian delegation met Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State Adel Al-Jubeir and other senior officials. A high-profile Indian all-party parliamentary delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay
Go toTop

Don't Miss

PLA refuses to budge, India-China talks collapse

During the meeting, the Indian side made constructive suggestions for

Wyndham Eyes India Expansion

The world’s largest hotel franchising company, Wyndham is set to