INDIA-UK FTA HOPES, CORONATION, AND ELECTION BUILD-UP: 2023

The end of February 2024 is now seen as the outer time limit for the deal before leaders on both sides get into campaign mode

Even in 2023, the elusive India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) continues to be the main focus of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s electoral strategy, as voters grow more disenchanted with his administration due to rising living expenses and undocumented immigration. The transaction was not far behind on the agenda when Sunak, the first Indian-origin prime minister of Britain, announced his government’s main priorities for the next year at the beginning of this year. The two nations will begin a new round of discussions in the New Year after the 13th round was completed this month.

“The round included sessions both in-person, in London and Delhi, and virtual talks. As with round 12, these negotiations focused on complex issues including goods, services, and investment. The UK and India will continue to negotiate towards a comprehensive and ambitious Free Trade Agreement,” the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) said.

There is a strong sense that both sides are keen to get a deal over the line before Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Sunak must hit their respective campaign trails for a general election year in both countries in 2024.