India-UK Foreign Office Consultations seek early FTA conclusion

India and the United Kingdom expressed their desire for early conclusion of a "balanced and comprehensive" FTA with the two sides discussing issues of mutual interest including Afghanistan, Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific during the Foreign Office Consultations held in New Delhi.

"Both sides aspire to early conclusion of a balanced and comprehensive India-UK FTA that may intensify the economic engagement between the fifth and the sixth biggest global economies," the release said.

Both sides also discussed issues like trade and economic cooperation, defence and security, science and technology, people-to-people relationship, health and climate change, a Ministry of External Affairs release said. India and the UK share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with the adoption of Roadmap 2030 for Future Relations.

It was appreciated that letters formalizing the Young Professional Scheme were exchanged on the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 9 this year in London and the scheme would be launched on February 28, 2023.

Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Barton in Delhi.
"Glad to meet @PhilipRBarton Permanent-Undersecretary at @FCDOGovUK today morning. Discussed our expanding bilateral relationship including progress under our Roadmap 2030 and global issues," Jaishankar said in a tweet.

(ANI)