Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated on Thursday that the India-UK free trade agreement will strengthen bilateral ties beyond trade and technology, opening new avenues for businesses and citizens in both countries. He made the remarks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed July 15 as the date for the pact's implementation.
Key Pillars of Discussion
Speaking on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, Misri highlighted trade, technology, and regional and international security as the main topics of conversation between the two leaders. He noted that the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, signed last year in the UK, will come into effect on July 15, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations with a major trading partner.
Boosting Bilateral Trade
The agreement is expected to substantially increase annual bilateral trade, currently around £48 billion, and enhance the overall India-UK partnership. Misri expressed confidence that businesses on both sides have been preparing for the implementation. He emphasized that the UK is one of India's largest trading partners and a key technology partner, and the agreement extends beyond trade to include mobility, opening important doors for people in both countries.
Business Enthusiasm
Misri noted that businesses in both nations have been eagerly awaiting the agreement's enforcement to proceed with expansion and growth plans. He also mentioned progress in negotiations for an India-European Union free trade agreement during Modi's meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.
India-EU FTA Progress
The two sides concluded negotiations earlier this year in New Delhi and aim to sign the agreement before the end of 2026. Misri confirmed that the leaders reaffirmed their commitment during the G7 meetings and instructed teams to facilitate the signing by year-end.
India-France Relations
Prime Minister Modi concluded his France visit with an address to the Indian community in Paris. Misri described India-France ties as one of the strongest bilateral partnerships globally, rooted in cooperation in defense, nuclear energy, and space. He highlighted alignment on global issues and France's role as a resident power in the Indo-Pacific, offering rich opportunities for collaboration. French President Emmanuel Macron bid farewell to Modi with a Hindi message on social media.
