‘There Is An Opportunity For Free Trade Agreement'

The warmth of Indo-British relationship has been increasing owing to the frequent visits of ministers and British PM Theresa May’s visit to India, last November. More than 800 Indian companies in the UK add an estimated £26 billion to the UK economy and support over 110,000 jobs.

- Taniya Tikoo

IN AN EXCLUSIVE interview to Taniya Tikoo, Sir Dominic Asquith KCMG, British High Commissioner to India, speaks on the growing Indo-UK trade relationships, prospects of FTA, ways to further enhance the bilateral relationships and more. Edited excerpts:

Britain will be able to increase its exports to India by more than £2 billion per year after Brexit. Is Brexit the answer behind strengthened Indo-UK trade relationship?

We look at India as the most important relationship so in the context of Brexit, I think there is some misperception behind it; for us Brexit is an opportunity to develop the market, not just European market but to develop further in a dynamic way.

Due to the strength of our relationship, Theresa May’s first visit outside European Union was India. The two prime minister in November discussed possible economical relationships.

Would there be possibility of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)?

We are looking at how to enhance agreement, it may happen after Brexit. Yes, there is an opportunity for free trade agreement. UK is the largest G20 Investor in India, while India is the fourth largest investor in UK.