London's deputy mayor confident of "strong will" to finalise India-UK FTA

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Jan 9, 2023

Although facing delays, negotiations towards a free trade agreement between India and the UK are ongoing. London’s deputy mayor Rajesh Agrawal is confident that both sides are committed to making it happen. 

“Several rounds of talks have been held between the UK and India to enhance the bilateral partnership for finalising the FTA,” London’s deputy mayor (trade) Rajesh Agrawal told the Press Trust of India. “The willpower of both sides is very strong regarding the FTA… The world is looking towards India as it is the fastest growing economy and the global growth engine.”
 
Agrawal spoke to the PTI ahead of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention which marks the contribution of the overseas Indian community to the development of India. This year, the event will take place in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.  

“India’s local market is very strong and the country’s economy is highly resilient,” said Agrawal. “Although global events do have some impact on every country, I feel India is largely safe from it… India’s biggest strength is its democracy and friendliness of western countries towards India.” 
 
Agrawal was born in Indore and later moved to the UK. He is the first person of Indian origin to serve as London’s deputy mayor for a second consecutive term, ET Bureau reported. London has a large Indian population with over 6.5 lakh people of Indian origin living in the capital city.