UK-Indian relations would remain on a “phenomenal upward trajectory” under Indian-origin UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Britain’s former PM Boris Johnson said . He stated that the two countries need each other now more than ever since “we live in dangerous and turbulent times.”
Johnson also urged the two countries to complete a free trade agreement (FTA) as soon as possible, saying in his address at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit that the FTA couldn’t wait until next Diwali.
“Let us finally deliver that free trade agreement which mysteriously seems to have developed a flat tyre since I left office. Prime Minister Modi and I said it will be done by Diwali. I’m not going to wait till the next Diwali before we do that free trade deal. I wonder what the holdup is,” Johnson said.
A trade agreement between India and the United Kingdom aimed at doubling bilateral commerce by 2030 could not be completed by late October, the original deadline for ending the discussions.
Even in the absence of a free trade agreement, trade between the countries has increased by 28%.
Let’s get that free trade agreement done because it’s insane that magnificent British Jaguars and Land Rovers built in the West Midlands face high duties on import to India, even though Jaguar Land Rover is owned by a terrific Indian company, Johnson added.
According to Reuters, British officials are likely to visit India in December with the goal of concluding FTA talks between the two countries in about four months, adding that India’s trade ministry and Britain will soon finalise whether next month’s talks will be at the ministerial or secretary level.
During a phone chat with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi last month, Britain’s new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the country’s first leader of Indian heritage, expressed his desire to finalise the trade pact.
