India and UK Reaffirm FTA Commitment at Strategic Dialogue

India and the UK have reaffirmed their commitment to finalizing a mutually beneficial free trade agreement (FTA) during the annual UK-India Strategic Dialogue. This meeting marked another step forward in the 2030 Roadmap since its last review in January of the previous year.

The 2030 Roadmap was clinched between India and the UK in 2021 and includes commitments to deepen cooperation on health, climate, trade, education, science and technology, and defence by 2030.

Key Discussions and Progress

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, currently visiting the UK, engaged in discussions with Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Both leaders reviewed the significant progress made on the UK-India 2030 Roadmap and outlined future cooperation plans.

The FCDO released a statement highlighting the collaborative efforts between the two nations. “The two reflected on good progress on the 2030 Roadmap since the last review, noting key areas where the UK and India have worked together to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges,” it stated. Key achievements include the collaboration on the world’s first malaria vaccine, support for India’s G20 Presidency, and expanded opportunities under the Migration and Mobility Partnership.

FTA and Defence Cooperation

This year’s dialogue underscored the ongoing commitment to negotiate a mutually beneficial FTA and enhance defence cooperation. Kwatra also had a productive meeting with UK Minister of State for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, discussing ongoing defence capability cooperation initiatives and future collaboration opportunities.

Statements from Leaders

Lord Tariq Ahmad, FCDO Minister for South Asia, expressed optimism about the deepening relationship between India and the UK. “We are delighted to host Indian Foreign Secretary Kwatra in London to underline the UK’s commitment to deepening cooperation with India,” he said. “I look forward to our relationship going from strength to strength, working together on trade, defence, climate, and health.”

Roadmap and FTA Talks

The 2030 Roadmap, established in 2021, aims to deepen cooperation in health, climate, trade, education, science and technology, and defence. India and the UK have already held 13 rounds of FTA talks, with the 14th round beginning in January. The agreement covers 26 chapters, including goods, services, investments, and intellectual property rights.

The Indian industry is advocating for greater access for skilled professionals, particularly in IT and healthcare, in the UK market, along with tariff-free access for various goods. Conversely, the UK seeks reduced import duties on items like scotch whiskey, electric vehicles, lamb meat, chocolates, and certain confectionery items. The UK also aims to expand opportunities for its services in India, including telecommunications, legal, and financial services.

Trade Growth

Bilateral trade between India and the UK saw significant growth, increasing to USD 20.36 billion in 2022–23 from USD 17.5 billion in 2021–22.

This strategic dialogue highlights the strengthening partnership between India and the UK, setting a solid foundation for future collaborations and mutual benefits.