Last Updated: April 14, 2023, 05:20 IST
File photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) and his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak. (Image: Reuters)
The cellphone name got here towards the backdrop of a media report earlier this week that claimed that India had halted the FTA negotiations
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday and agreed to expedite progress to resolve “outstanding issues” within the India-UK free commerce settlement (FTA) negotiations.
The cellphone name got here towards the backdrop of a media report earlier this week that claimed that India had halted the FTA negotiations with the UK till it sees more durable motion towards pro-Khalistan teams behind the assault on the Indian High Commission in London final month.
The stories had been swiftly denied on each side.
In a readout of the decision between the 2 leaders, Downing Street stated that Sunak reiterated his condemnation of the “unacceptable” violence outdoors the Indian High Commission in London final month and up to date Modi on the steps being taken to make sure the safety of Indian diplomatic workers.
The Indian flag on the High Commission in London was pulled down throughout a protest by pro-Khalistani components final month.
Prime Minister Modi raised the difficulty of the safety of Indian diplomatic institutions within the UK in the course of the telephonic dialog along with his British counterpart Sunak and known as for robust motion towards anti-India components, an announcement stated in New Delhi.
According to it, Modi additionally sought progress on the return of financial offenders wished in India.
India is pursuing the extradition of beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya and fugitive diamond service provider Nirav Modi from the UK.
Mallya, who fled to the UK in 2016, is needed in India over a default of Rs 9,000 crore that was loaned to Kingfisher Airlines by a number of banks. Nirav Modi is going through fees within the estimated USD 2 billion Punjab National Bank mortgage rip-off case.
According to the Downing Street spokesman, the 2 leaders agreed to comply with up their discussions on the G7 assembly in Japan subsequent month and the G20 Summit being hosted by India later within the yr.
“The leaders reflected on the close friendship between the two countries, and agreed great progress was being made on the 2030 UK-India Roadmap,” a Downing Street spokesperson stated.
“Discussing ongoing negotiations on a UK-India Free Trade Agreement, the leaders reflected on the huge opportunities a deal would offer to Indian and British businesses and consumers. Both agreed to direct their teams to expedite progress to resolve outstanding issues and ensure a world-leading deal that would see both economies thrive,” the spokesperson stated.
In New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated on Thursday that the subsequent spherical of talks between India and the UK on the proposed free commerce settlement will happen later this month.
Bagchi stated the talks will happen across the interval from April 24 to 28.
With reference to an assault by pro-Khalistan separatists on the Indian High Commission in London on March 19, the Downing Street spokesperson stated that the British Prime Minister “reiterated his condemnation of the unacceptable violence outside the Indian High Commission in London”.
“He stressed that extremism had no place in the UK and updated on the steps being taken to ensure the security of Indian High Commission staff,” the Downing Street spokesperson stated.
“The leaders shared their best wishes to those celebrating Vaisakhi in the UK and India tomorrow. Both looked forward to seeing each other at the G7 in Japan next month, as well as at the G20 in India later this year,” the spokesperson added.
“Both the UK and India are committed to delivering an ambitious and mutually beneficial FTA and concluded the latest round of trade talks last month,” stated a UK Department for Business and Trade spokesperson.
According to official UK authorities statistics, the India-UK bilateral buying and selling relationship was price GBP 34 billion in 2022 – rising by GBP 10 billion in a single yr. These statistics are anticipated to be dramatically enhanced with a profitable
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