India, UK narrow gap on contentious issues in trade talks

India and the UK have narrowed the gap on contentious issues such as mobility and liquor in their free trade negotiations though more work needs to be done to resolve differences on rules of origin and investments, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. The 12th round of negotiations began on August 8 and are scheduled to conclude on August 25.

- Rajeev Jayaswal & Rezaul H Laskar

As some breakthroughs are possible, both sides might extend the talks beyond August 25 so that some tangible outcomes can be forwarded to the political leadership ahead of the G20 Summit in September, three people aware of the development said on condition of anonymity. Both sides have shown flexibility on issues that are important to them. For instance, Britain might permit easier mobility for certain categories of Indian professionals, and the Indian side might allow concessional duties on imports of British automobiles and upper-end Scotch whisky with some conditions, the three added.