India, UK in final talks to clear FTA hurdles

India and the UK are engaged in intensive negotiations in London to resolve remaining technical hurdles related to investment and market access before concluding the long-awaited bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), people close to the discussions said.

- Rajeev Jayaswal

NEW DELHI:

Commerce minister Piyush Goyal's ongoing European visit has heightened expectations for a breakthrough, with both nations working to find mutually acceptable solutions within the next two days.

Should progress occur, Goyal may return to London at the weekend to finalize the deal, according to officials familiar with the matter who requested anonymity.

After meetings in London on Monday and Tuesday, Goyal departed for Oslo and is scheduled to visit Brussels before his planned return to New Delhi on Friday. "In case of a breakthrough in India-UK FTA talks, he may extend his Europe stay for a day or two and return via London," one of these people said. Any consensus would be formally announced by ministers from both countries.