Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a conversation with the newly elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, on 6th July. During the call, PM Modi congratulated PM Starmer on his victory and discussed the historic relations between India and the UK. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. PM Modi extended an invitation to PM Starmer to visit India at the earliest.
The FTA negotiations between India and the UK, which began in January 2022, aim to secure a mutually beneficial trade agreement. The current bilateral trade between the two countries is valued at around GBP 38.1 billion annually. The UK is seeking a reduction in tariffs on exports to India, such as food, cars, and whisky, with some tariffs reaching as high as 150 percent.
On the other hand, India is concerned about the fairness of rules applied to Indian workers temporarily transferred to the UK on business visas. Despite paying national insurance, these workers are not eligible for UK pensions or social security benefits.
The two leaders agreed to promote people-to-people ties and further deepen the strategic partnership between India and the UK. PM Modi also emphasized the importance of robust economic ties for the progress and prosperity of both nations and for the global good. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing bilateral relationship.
