FTA on fast track

Finalising the long-awaited FTA with UK should be a top priority at the highest levels of both nations

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After an election-related gap of eight months, the resumption of negotiations between India and the UK to finalise a trade agreement should be welcomed. Prior to the opening of the 15th round of negotiations—which have been taking place since January 2022—Jonathan Reynolds, UK's secretary of state for business and trade, has had talks with India's Union commerce and industry minister, Piyush Goyal. There is no doubt a sense of urgency to resume trade talks—not just with the UK but also the European Union (EU)—due to US President Donald Trump's disruption to global trade with his weaponisation of tariffs. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen along with the EU College of Commissioners is visiting India on February 27-28 and the 10th round of free trade agreement (FTA) talks are set to take place on March 10-14 in Brussels. Both India and the UK want an agreement that is balanced and comprehensive and mutually beneficial. India has already lowered import duties on cars, high-end motorcycles,