India-UK FTA comes closer after 5th round of negotiations; may conclude by Diwali

New Delhi, Aug 12 (KNN) India and the United Kingdom concluded the fifth round of talks for an India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on July 29, 2022, said Ministry of Commerce & Industry on Thursday.

The aim is to conclude majority of talks on a comprehensive and balanced FTA by the end of October 2022.

Negotiation officials undertook these technical talks in a hybrid fashion – with some of the teams meeting in New Delhi, India, and the majority of officials joining virtually.   

For this round of negotiations, technical experts from both sides came together for detailed draft treaty text discussions in 85 separate sessions covering 15 policy areas.

Indian and UK officials will continue to work intensively throughout the summer towards our target to conclude the majority of talks on a comprehensive and balanced Free Trade Agreement by the end of October 2022, said the Ministry  (KNN Bureau)