The statement said the two leaders expressed satisfaction over the progress made under the “Roadmap 2030” in diverse areas including trade, investment, defence, security, emerging technologies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his British counterpart Rishi Sunak on Tuesday as they welcomed the progress made in the ongoing discussion between the two countries for an early conclusion of a free trade agreement (FTA).
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During their telephonic conversation, they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, a statement said.
In a post on microblogging site X, Modi said, “Had a good conversation with PM @RishiSunak. We reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and work for early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement.”
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Had a good conversation with PM @RishiSunak. We reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and work for the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement.— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 12, 2024
The statement said the two leaders expressed satisfaction over the progress made under the “Roadmap 2030” in diverse areas including trade, investment, defence, security, emerging technologies, and others.
“They assessed positively the progress made towards early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement,” it said.
The two leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest and agreed to remain in touch. They also exchanged greetings on the upcoming festive occasion of Holi.
Meanwhile, a team of UK negotiators visited New Delhi to try and iron out the remaining issues holding up a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA).
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The understanding is that the fourteenth round of negotiations remains “open and progress continues” but the team did not get what was needed to close all the outstanding issues. Sources of the news agency, PTI said the UK is “proud” of all that has been achieved so far and that the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak-led government remains committed to securing a “comprehensive and ambitious” FTA and bilateral investment treaty (BIT).
It comes as Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal told the news agency in an interview in New Delhi that long-term benefits for the economy were key in such FTA negotiations and that India was seeking a “balanced, fair and equitable” deal. “I am very confident that we hear some good news in the days to come. Our officers are relentlessly pursuing several engagements. Let us see who pips the others,” Goyal said.
(with PTI inputs)
