India and Britain have reaffirmed their commitment to conclude a mutually beneficial free trade agreement (FTA) at the annual UK-India Strategic Dialogue in London, reflecting on the “good progress” made on the 2030 Roadmap since the last review.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, currently visiting the UK, held discussions with Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), on Friday.
Progress and Future Collaboration
- Review of 2030 Roadmap:
- The two leaders reviewed the progress made on the UK-India 2030 Roadmap since the last strategic dialogue in January last year and looked ahead to the next phase of bilateral cooperation.
- “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,” the FCDO said in a statement.
- Collaborations Highlighted:
- Collaborating on the world’s first malaria vaccine.
- Working closely on India’s successful G20 Presidency.
- Increasing opportunities for students and entrepreneurs under the Migration and Mobility Partnership.
Commitment to Free Trade Agreement
- Ongoing Negotiations:
- Alongside celebrating the milestones since the last review, this year’s dialogue included the ongoing commitment to negotiate a mutually beneficial free trade agreement (FTA) and enhance defence cooperation.
- India and the UK have held 13 rounds of talks on the FTA, with the 14th round starting in January.
Defence and Other Areas of Cooperation
- Defence Cooperation:
- The High Commission of India in London noted that Mr. Kwatra also had a “fruitful meeting” with UK Minister of State for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge, discussing ongoing India-UK defence capability cooperation initiatives and future collaboration avenues.
- Statements from Officials:
- Lord Tariq Ahmad, FCDO Minister for South Asia, expressed commitment to deepening cooperation with India, stating, “I look forward to our relationship going from strength to strength, working together on trade, defence, climate, and health.”
Background
- 2030 Roadmap:
- The 2030 Roadmap, clinched between India and the UK in 2021, includes commitments to deepen cooperation on health, climate, trade, education, science and technology, and defence by 2030.
Stay tuned for more updates on the India-UK FTA and other bilateral cooperation initiatives.
