The 14th round of FTA talks, which began in January 2023, had been paused in May 2024 due to the UK general elections. With a new Labour government in place, both sides are now working to iron out pending issues, including tariffs, market access, and business mobility.

Key Negotiation Points India is seeking easier business visa processes and a social security agreement to prevent double contributions for Indian professionals working in the UK. The Indian industry is also pushing for greater access for IT and healthcare professionals and zero customs duties on certain goods.

On the other hand, the UK is pushing for lower import duties on scotch whiskey, electric vehicles, lamb meat, chocolates, and confectionery items. Britain also aims for expanded access in India’s services sector, particularly in telecommunications, legal, banking, and insurance services.

Goyal indicated that both sides are open to reducing tariffs, stating, “Many of the tariffs that India has are really to protect us from non-market and non-transparent economies or economies which are known for predatory pricing or dumping of goods, and I think between the UK and India, we have much more flexibility and ability to significantly reduce tariffs to make businesses more competitive between the two countries.”

Balancing Speed with Caution While both ministers refrained from setting a deadline for the agreement, Goyal emphasized the need for a well-structured deal. “One has to crystal gaze maybe 20-30-50 years into the future and make a robust agreement which is a win-win for both sides and therefore neither should we rush into things, but it’s always good to conclude fast. So we will have speed, but not haste,” he said.

Reynolds reaffirmed the UK's commitment, calling the FTA a “top priority” for the British government.

Beyond Trade: Investment and Business Mobility Alongside the FTA, both nations are actively negotiating a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and a Double Contribution Convention Agreement. The discussions also include easing business mobility, but Reynolds clarified that business movement is a “separate issue” from immigration.

Under the proposed FTA, both nations plan to expand market access for services while ensuring economic and investment growth. “We have also, as a part of FTA, opened up each other’s services sector while protecting the sensitivities that each country has, so that, that can open up new opportunities and obviously for all of this, business visas will be required,” Goyal explained.

With talks back on track after an eight-month hiatus, stakeholders from both nations are keenly watching the developments that could reshape economic ties between India and the UK.