July 11, 2024
1 min read

Piyush Goyal: No ‘Gun to Our Head’ in UK FTA Talks

Goyal reiterated that India does not favour setting deadlines for FTA negotiations…reports Asian Lite News

Following the British Labour Party’s significant victory under Keir Starmer, India expressed confidence that the much-awaited FTA with the UK will be finalised soon.

India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the Free Trade Agreement with the UK is set to close very quickly, according to the Financial Times.

Goyal further emphasized that India does not believe in setting deadlines for FTA negotiations, saying, “We never discuss any FTA with any country with a gun to our head.”

According to the Financial Times reports, he urged the new UK government not to repeat the mistake made by Boris Johnson, who had promised in early 2022 that the trade agreement could be finalized within six months.

The free trade agreement talks between India and the UK have been ongoing since January 2022.

UK & India(grab)

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended an invitation to newly-elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for an early visit to India as both leaders agreed to work towards the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The two leaders spoke over phone as PM Modi congratulated Starmer on his and Labour Party’s “remarkable victory” in the general elections.

“Pleased to speak with Keir Starmer. Congratulated him on being elected as the Prime Minister of the UK. We remain committed to deepening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and robust India-UK economic ties for the progress and prosperity of our peoples and global good,” PM Modi posted on X after the call.

Both leaders recalled the historic relations between the two countries and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen and advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UK.

“Appreciating the positive contributions of the Indian community in the social, economic, and political development of the UK. The two sides agreed to continue to promote close people-to-people ties. Both leaders agreed to remain in touch,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement.

ALSO READ: Sitharaman assures UK envoy of stronger economic ties

ALSO READ: Modi urges diplomacy over war in Ukraine

Previous Story

England reach second Euros final in a row  

Next Story

US Targets 3 Israelis, 5 Entities with Sanctions

Latest from -Top News

Modi Eyes Trade Deals in Maldives

PM Modi will arrive in Maldives on July 25 which would be the second and final leg of his two-nation visit, following the visit to the United Kingdom, starting Wednesday….reports Asian Lite

Russia Strikes Back at EU

The Council of the European Union approved the 17th and 18th packages of sanctions on Russia on May 20 and July 18…reports Asian Lite News Russia has significantly expanded its entry ban

PM Modi Due in UK

PM Modi’s visit to the UK, scheduled for July 23–24, comes at the invitation of British counterpart Keir Starmer and will be his fourth trip to the country….reports Asian Lite News Prime

Victory First, Then Peace?

Katz stressed the importance of meeting the war’s goals as set, primarily the return of all Israeli hostages and the surrender of Hamas….reports Asian Lite News Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said

US Brings Up Old Claim, India Pushes Back

US Raises Trump’s India-Pakistan Claim at UN; India Reaffirms Bilateral Stand…reports Asian Lite News The US brought President Trump’s May claim of resolving the India-Pakistan conflict to the Security Council, but New
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Centre issues new Covid guidelines for offices

The new guidelines have been issued to check the spread

Late Harrods owner Al-Fayed accused of rape

A fifth woman told the BBC that al-Fayed raped her