New Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Boris Johnson on Friday aimed to conclude talks for a free trade deal by October and unveiled an expanded defense partnership that envisages easier access to British military hardware and technology .
during their meeting in National CapitalThe two leaders discussed ways to enhance cooperation in green technology and healthcare, and exchanged views on issues such as combating terrorism, ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, the situation in Afghanistan and the Ukraine crisis.
The Indian side clarified that there was “no pressure of any kind” from Johnson on the Ukraine conflict, while British Premier Framed the discussions in the context of democracies working together to tackle “shared concerns about autocracy and autocracy around the world”.
a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Johnson’s visit was one of the priorities, with both sides scheduled to begin a third round of talks on the deal on April 25. A joint statement said the two prime ministers aimed to conclude “most negotiations on a comprehensive and balanced free trade agreement by the end of October”.
“As the next week’s talks begin here next week, we are asking our negotiators – get it done by Diwali in October,” Johnson said in a joint media briefing. Could double that.” with Modi.
Modi said teams from both sides have made good progress in talks and both countries have decided to make full efforts to complete the FTA by the end of this year. “In the last few months, India has concluded FTAs with UAE and Australia. At the same pace, with the same commitment, we would like to move forward on an FTA with the UK as well.”
Addressing a press conference later, Johnson acknowledged there were tough issues such as tariffs on whiskey, but added that there is also a “massive push” from both governments to achieve the FTA. “All trade agreements are difficult … there will be tough questions on both sides, but I’m sure we can do it.”
“Our friends have given a firm message to make progress, and I am optimistic,” Johnson said.
During his media interaction with Modi, Johnson underscored the need to deepen cooperation, including keeping the Indo-Pacific open and free from threats. In this context, he said that the two sides have agreed on a new and expanded defense and security partnership that will also support the “Make in India” initiative.
“The UK is creating an India-specific Open General Export Licence, reducing bureaucracy and reducing delivery times for defense procurement. We have agreed to work together to address new threats on land, sea, air, space and cyber, including through partnerships on new fighter jet technology. [and] Marine technologies to detect and respond to threats in the oceans,” he said.
Modi welcomed the UK’s support for “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
Defense and security cooperation is one of the five pillars of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Roadmap 2030.