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

Ghana Welcomes PM Modi

Hundreds of people, including locals, started chanting “Modi-Modi”, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” as soon as PM Modi arrived at the hotel….reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi received

Musk Signals Thaw in Trump Rift

Musk credited Trump for resolving major global conflicts, tagging a Truth Social post to back his claim….reports Asian Lite News Tesla CEO and former presidential advisor Elon Musk appeared to signal a

Tibetans Slam China’s ‘Reincarnation Politics’

Sikyong said the Chinese government is systematically working to erase Tibetan identity by targeting its language and religion, core pillars of its cultural heritage….reports Asian Lite News With the Dalai Lama entrusting

USAID Officially Shuts Down

USAID will be merged into the US State Department from Tuesday….reports Asian Lite News The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was officially shut down on Tuesday, drawing criticism from former
Go toTop

Don't Miss

SC notice to ED on Kejriwal’s plea against arrest

Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for Kejriwal said the arrest of

Maoists release abducted CoBRA commando

Manhas, a constable of the 210th CoBRA was safely handed