India and the United Kingdom on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to conclude a mutually beneficial free trade agreement (FTA).
At the annual UK-India Strategic Dialogue in London, the two sides reflected on the “good progress” on the 2030 Roadmap since the last review.
“The two reflected on good progress on the 2030 Roadmap since the last review, noting key areas where the UK and India have worked together to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges,” the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said in a statement, after Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, who is on a visit to the UK, held discussions with his counterpart, Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary.
“This included collaborating on the world’s first malaria vaccine, working closely on India’s successful G20 Presidency and increasing opportunities for students and entrepreneurs under the Migration and Mobility Partnership,” the statement said.
“Alongside celebrating the milestones since the last review, this year’s dialogue included the ongoing commitment to negotiate a mutually beneficial free trade agreement (FTA) and enhance defence cooperation,” it added.
Earlier, the High Commission of India in London said Kwatra also had a “fruitful meeting” with UK Minister of State for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge, during which they discussed ongoing India-UK defence capability cooperation initiatives and avenues for future collaboration.
“We are delighted to host Indian Foreign Secretary Kwatra in London to underline the UK’s commitment to deepening cooperation with India,” said Lord Tariq Ahmad, FCDO Minister for South Asia, after he met the Foreign Secretary, which his office said covered the FTA, migration and the Commonwealth.
