Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Rishi Sunak expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) discussions between India and the United Kingdom during a crucial meeting on the sidelines of the 50th G7 Summit.
During the meeting, both leaders reviewed the advancements within the ambit of the Roadmap 2030, designed to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across multiple domains such as defense, trade, technology, and cultural exchanges. Contentment was noted regarding the progression in these sectors. Additionally, Modi extended his best wishes to the UK on the eve of its forthcoming snap general elections.
Post-discussion, Modi utilized social media platform X to broadcast his optimism about the potential for deepening bilateral cooperation, especially in sectors like semiconductors and technology. “It was a delight to meet PM @RishiSunak in Italy. I reiterated my commitment to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the third term of the NDA Government. There is great scope to deepen ties in sectors like semiconductors, technology and trade.…” Modi communicated.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, also shed light on the outcomes of the meeting via X, emphasizing the robust partnership trajectory. “Giving further impetus to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership! PM @narendramodi had a fruitful meeting with UK PM @RishiSunak
on the sidelines of the 50th G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy. The two leaders took stock of bilateral relations in areas of defence and security, trade and economic collaboration, critical and high technology sectors and people to people connect. They discussed implementation of Roadmap 2030 and progress made in ongoing FTA negotiations,” Jaiswal articulated.
Initiated in January 2022, the trade negotiations aim for a robust agreement poised to elevate bilateral trade, currently estimated at approximately GBP 38.1 billion annually. With the 14th negotiation round launched on January 10, 2024, expectations for a comprehensive trade agreement continue to rise.
On the same day, Modi also engaged with other global leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscoring India’s proactive stance in international diplomacy.
Hosted at Borgo Egnazia resort, the G7 Summit featured India as an Outreach country, reflecting its growing geopolitical stature.
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