Synergistic INDO-UK FTA

The trade tariff tussle between the US and India seems to have a good outcome. The recently concluded bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK is probably an example of opening another door when one was shut.

- Dr Milind Kokje

But of course, in this case, the first door-trade with the US-is not completely closed yet. But it is also not opened fully as in the past, and how much it will open is yet to be known. President Donald Trump's tussle with various countries over the trade tariffs issue has probably compelled different countries to have bilateral trade agreements.

The Indo-UK FTA, which was signed last month, is one such fallout of the trade tussle with the US. The talks were on for quite a long time - over three years - but both countries expedited them, probably following Trump's threats of imposing reciprocal rates for trade, threatening trade with the US. With the successful completion of the trade agreement with the UK, the European Union (EU) is also now keen to finalise the bilateral trade agreement with India.