UK and India Eye Landmark Free Trade Agreement Ahead of Elections

As the UK approaches the final phase of election campaigning, a significant free trade agreement with India remains a priority for both the Conservative and Labour parties. Despite political upheavals and missed deadlines, efforts continue to enhance the GBP 38.1 billion bilateral trade partnership.

As the United Kingdom enters the crucial final phase of campaigning before Thursday's general election, the prospect of a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) with India remains prominently on the agenda. Whether it's the incumbent Conservatives or the Opposition Labour party that emerges victorious, a stronger UK-India trade bond appears inevitable.

While both parties have engaged in efforts to solidify the GBP 38.1 billion bilateral trading partnership, negotiations have stalled amidst the political transitions following India's phased general election and Britain's own political turbulence. The FTA talks, which formally began in January 2022 during Boris Johnson's tenure, faced further delays under Liz Truss and now continue under Rishi Sunak, Britain's first Prime Minister of Indian heritage.

The Conservative Party's manifesto underlines a commitment to finalizing an FTA with India alongside enhancing strategic partnerships in technology and defence. On the other side, the Labour Party has been vocal about expediting the agreement, lamenting missed Diwali 2022 deadlines and emphasizing a readiness to complete the trade deal promptly.

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