UK to Relaunch India Trade Talks Next Year

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to relaunch trade talks with India in early 2024, following a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in Brazil. The talks aim to establish a new strategic partnership that includes not only a free trade agreement but also enhanced cooperation in security, education, technology, and climate change. Starmer emphasized that a new trade deal with India, which is the fifth largest economy globally, would support job creation and economic growth in the UK. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds noted that a successful agreement could benefit both nations and lower tariffs on UK exports. Previous negotiations had stalled over issues such as whisky tariffs and migration, but Starmer expressed optimism about moving forward. The UK government aims to align the new trade strategy with its industrial strategy to ensure long-term sustainable growth through trade.