Britain poised for multi-billion pound free trade deal with India by Easter

RISHI Sunak is stepping up crucial talks to secure a huge post-Brexit UK trade deal with India in time for Easter.

- Martyn Brown

Negotiations between the two nations, which have been taking place during Christmas, are to continue into the New Year.

Prime Minister Mr Sunak and India's premier Narendra Modi, below, are said to be keen to get the deal wrapped up by April.

The mega tie-up could dramatically boost trade between Britain and India which is currently worth £36billion.

Set to become the world's third-largest economy, India would be the biggest country yet to strike a free trade agreement with the UK since the nation left the EU's trading system in 2021.

Britain hopes the pact will open up trade in whisky and cars to India, as well as services and investment opportunities.

Meanwhile, New Delhi wants better access for manufactured goods, services and a deal on work visas.