London [UK]: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met with the UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, to accelerate negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom.
Goyal arrived in London for two days of discussions focused on enhancing bilateral trade and strengthening investment relations.
“Arrived in London for two days of engaging discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations. In my first engagement, held a productive meeting with the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade @JReynoldsMP to advance Free Trade Agreement negotiations, reinforcing our commitment to deepening India-UK economic ties,” Goyal posted on X.
Arrived in London for two days of engaging discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations.
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) April 28, 2025
In my first engagement, held a productive meeting with the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade @JReynoldsMP to advance Free Trade Agreement… pic.twitter.com/1vaXssjKo3
Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that talks on the Free Trade Agreement are being relaunched and emphasized the commitment of both sides to move the negotiations forward.
Addressing a press briefing on April 9, Jaiswal stated, “The FTA talks with UK are in the process of being relaunched and both sides remain committed to taking it forward. If my memory serves me right, think seven rounds have happened. This will be the eighth round and both sides are keen to conclude this or take these negotiations forward so that we can have an early conclusion of the FTA talks.”
Earlier in February, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry had announced that India and the UK had resumed negotiations on the FTA. The announcement came after discussions between Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary Jonathan Reynolds during the latter’s visit to Delhi.
Both countries have agreed to work toward a balanced, forward-looking, and mutually beneficial agreement that strengthens their complementary economies.
Expressing optimism, Goyal said, “I’m very confident that we will be able to make rapid progress to meet the collective aspirations for trade, investment and the mutual prosperity of the people of the United Kingdom and India. It’s also very auspicious that we are restarting discussions today just before we celebrate Mahashivratri, the day after tomorrow, which is the sacred union of Shiv and Shakti.”
He added, “We showed him a lot of Shiv and a lot of Durga Shakti at the National Crafts Museum today. I think that is a great messaging. I would like to reaffirm our collective commitment to meet the aspirations of the people and businesses. I would like to call this FTA a forward-looking, transparent and ambitious, equitable, balanced and mutually beneficial agreement which will be a win-win for both our countries.”