India and the UK are looking at concluding an interim trade agreement amid negotiations towards a free trade agreement (FTA), Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.
Addressing the India Global Forum (IGF) in London virtually from New Delhi on October 21, Shringla noted that UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss visit to India, expected over two days starting October 22, will add further momentum to the partnership as it coincides with the UK’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) arriving in Mumbai for joint exercises.
He said: “We are negotiating a free trade agreement as things stand. We are also looking at an interim trade agreement.
“The visit of Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is planned to coincide with the UK Carrier Strike Group docking in Mumbai.”
With reference to the sectors of UK-India cooperation, Shringla highlighted the financial markets, people to people ties through the new Migration and Mobility Partnership, a first-ever consular dialogue expected soon.
“Security and defence cooperation is high on the agenda, including maritime security, cyber security, health partnership, digital health, medical supply chains, alternative health and science and technology,” he noted.
With reference to the UK-hosted United Nations COP26 climate summit in Glasgow next month, the Foreign Secretary said India will be participating with a strong message and also expect promises of predictable finance to meet ambitious climate targets.
“In order to meet these ambitious targets, developing countries will need access to climate financing, green technology. We need more than commitments, we need promises – predictable and consistent financing,” he said.