Did you know that the India-UK trade deal was sealed during a walk in the park, and over an ice-cream? The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and the UK reached their conclusion during an informal meeting in London’s Hyde Park, where Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal enjoyed a chocolate ice cream offered by UK counterpart Jonathan Reynolds.The successful completion of FTA negotiations was confirmed by both nations on May 6, following talks that commenced in January 2022. The agreement is anticipated to increase yearly bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030.“I owe him one,” Goyal remarked lightheartedly whilst discussing the negotiations during a PTI interview at the India Global Forum (IGF) UK-India Week summit this week.“When I received Secretary Reynolds’ message inviting me to join him for a walk at Hyde Park (on May 2), he knows that I’m very fond of walking there every time I’m in London, I had not imagined that we’ll get talking about the few issues that were left for us to be able to conclude the Free Trade Agreement and the Double Contribution Convention (DCC) agreement,” Goyal said.Also Read| What does the UK-India FTA mean for India? Top benefits – from cheaper cars, whisky to cheer for Indian professionals
“In the course of our walk there, we were able to close the nuances in a very practical manner, which was fair for both countries, which was a balanced agreement, and will lead to shared prosperity for businesses and the people of both countries,” he stated.
India-UK Trade Deal
A Free Trade Agreement establishes economic stability between nations and provides assurance to business leaders regarding consistent tariff structures. It creates certainty about bilateral relations, predictable commercial environments, and promotes mutual investments alongside trade in goods and services,” said Goyal.“Additionally, it fosters partnerships and joint ventures, enabling both parties to target global markets collectively,” he said.At a previous IGF Summit discussion, the minister drew a parallel between the FTA and a lasting union. When asked to explain further, he commented with humour that “every marriage is long-lasting by and large, we believe marriage is very sacred, not to be taken very lightly”.Regarding the FTA implementation schedule, he stated: “I believe that similarly, the UK-India partnership will convert very quickly into an enforceable agreement after the UK Parliament goes through its processes.”Also Read | India-UK multi-billion-pound Free Trade Agreement explained: All you want to know in top 15 pointsIndia’s process moves at a considerably quicker pace, and preparations will be complete once legal verification and document finalisation are accomplished. The partnership’s commercial ventures and associated developments will contribute significantly to the alliance, deriving advantages from the crucial elements agreed upon by both nations.Regarding the DCC agreement, which prevents temporary foreign workers from paying duplicate social security taxes in both jurisdictions, the minister responded to certain UK media outlets that had inaccurately portrayed this arrangement as inequitable.“I think we should not mix up these temporary workers who come here, or the students who come here to gain from the high-quality education in the UK, with immigration issues,” said Goyal.“This is a temporary location in the UK, which adds a lot of value to the UK economy, supports jobs for the local people. It’s a win-win for both countries, and I think there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind or the mind of the government of the UK about its usefulness and its benefits,” he said.The senior Cabinet minister’s two-day UK visit includes discussions with Reynolds about FTA implementation steps and meetings with Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.Additionally, he will engage with business leaders, investors, and policy specialists, and is scheduled to participate in the IGF summit’s session focusing on India-UK scientific and technological cooperation.
