India-UK trade deal talks to recommence in December

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Nov 22, 2022

The next round of talks for the upcoming India-UK trade deal is now scheduled to take place in December. The Union Government is keen to reassure industries that the deal remains a top priority for both parties. 

“We are all very well aware that it was progressing very fast until we had a little bit of a blip because of political happenings in the other country,” said Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal at a steel industry event, the Press Trust of India reported. “Fortunately, we have a stable government. I believe in the office now, in the UK, and I am already in touch with my [UK] counterpart. We are working together to possibly have an in person meeting also very soon but our teams are already engaged. Next month, the next round of negotiations are slated to happen.” 
 
Negotiations for a trade deal between India and the UK began in January this year. The deadline for negotiations was originally set for the Diwali festive season but talks have taken longer than expected due to factors including changes in leadership in the UK and back and forth over India’s request for more flexible visa regulations. 

“With the UK we are doing a comprehensive deal like the UAE,” said Goyal. “I assure you that it is a high priority of both countries. It has been reiterated in the meeting of the G20.”