Defence cooperation and the negotiation of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) took center stage at the 16th Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) between India and the United Kingdom.

Held in London on May 17, 2024, the meeting saw discussions between Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Indian Foreign Secretary, and Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).

Reflecting on the progress made on the UK-India 2030 Roadmap, both sides reiterated their commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, as outlined in the official statements by the British High Commission in New Delhi and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Notable areas of collaboration include healthcare, technology, trade, and climate action.

With negotiations for the FTA progressing positively, both nations are poised to deepen their strategic partnership across multiple domains, paving the way for enhanced economic and geopolitical ties.

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. 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.

According to Indian Ministry of External affairs official statement, Kwatra held meetings with MOS Foreign Office Lord Tariq Ahmad, MOS for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge, NSA Sir Tim Barrow, UK Home Office Permanent Secretary Matthew Rycroft, Chief Trade Negotiator of the UK Crawford Falconer and Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to the UK Prime Minister Professor John Bew.

Lord Ahmad said: “We are delighted to host Indian Foreign Secretary Kwatra in London to underline the UK’s commitment to deepening cooperation with India. I look forward to our relationship going from strength to strength, working together on trade, defence, climate, and health.”

Both sides welcome good progress across all pillars, and underscored their interest to raise the level of ambition and agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation including in trade and economic, defence and security, science and technology, people-to-people ties and mobility, energy, and climate change, as well as health.

India-UK FTA

As reported previously, there are 26 chapters in the FTA being negotiated and these include Intellectual Property Rights, Services, Investments, goods among others.

Besides market access for several goods at zero customs duty, India is also demanding greater access for its skilled professionals from critical sectors like healthcare and IT in the British market.

What is the UK asking for?

It is seeking a significant cut in import duties on goods like scotch whiskey, lamb meat, electric vehicles, chocolates and certain confectionery items.

It is also looking at more opportunities for UK services in Indian markets in sectors including banking and insurance, telecommunications.

By when is the India-FTA expected to be inked?

According to sources, the negotiations between the two sides are on track and the agreement is likely to be signed later this year.

India and the United Kingdom share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership which has been strengthened across all domains through regular high-level political exchanges and meetings of bilateral institutional mechanisms.

The next round of Foreign Office Consultations will be next year in New Delhi.