PM Modi called Rishi Sunak; Discussion on India-UK Free Trade Agreement

Nice to talk to Rishi Sunak today. I congratulate him on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the UK. We will work together to further strengthen our comprehensive strategic partnership. PM Modi called Rishi Sunak; Discussion on India-UK Free Trade Agreement

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the new British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today and discussed the relations between India and the UK. Nice to talk to Rishi Sunak today. I congratulate him on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the UK. We will work together to further strengthen our comprehensive strategic partnership. We also agreed on the importance of an early conclusion of a comprehensive and balanced free trade agreement,” Modi tweeted. In response, Rishi Sunak said thank you

Thank you Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his kind words as I begin my new role. UK and India share a lot. “I am excited about what our two great democracies can achieve as we deepen our security, defense and economic partnership in the months and years ahead,” Sunak tweeted.

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverley is also coming to India on Friday to hold talks with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. The two will discuss strengthening diplomatic ties, Britain’s Foreign Office said today.

Britain has completed most sections of the free-trade agreement with India. But Trade Minister Greg Hands said yesterday that he would only sign the deal once he knew it was fair and reciprocal. “We have already discussed many issues and look forward to the next round of talks soon,” Hands told parliament. The deadline passed earlier this week and the government had earlier said the deal should be completed by Diwali.

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The interrupted India-UK FTA negotiations are expected to restart again as Rishi Sunak takes over as the new Prime Minister. The negotiations have already missed the Diwali deadline, due to the apprehensions raised by Home Secretary Suella Braverman regarding the “open borders migration policy” with India.