India, UK Plan To Accelerate Trade Deal Negotiations: Piyush Goyal

New Delhi: India and the United Kingdom have agreed to speed up negotiations on a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) and investment treaty, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced on Monday.

Key Highlights of the Trade Talks

• The talks, stalled ahead of general elections in both countries last year, have now resumed.
• UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds met Goyal in Delhi to restart discussions.
• Reynolds emphasized that securing a deal is a "top priority" for the UK government.

Why the Trade Deal Matters

• The move comes amid rising global trade uncertainties, including possible reciprocal import tariffs from the U.S. under Donald Trump’s presidency.
• The agreement could boost bilateral trade, which currently stands at £41 billion ($52 billion) annually, per UK government estimates.
• UK Investment Minister Poppy Gustafsson is also set to meet Indian investors in Mumbai and Bengaluru to promote UK-bound investments.

As two of the world’s largest economies, India and the UK are now focused on finalizing a deal that benefits both nations in the long run.