Anne-Marie Trevelyan – 2022 Statement on India Trade Negotiations

The statement made by Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the Secretary of State for International Trade, in the House of Commons on 24 March 2022.

The second round of UK-India free trade agreement negotiations began on 7 March and concluded on 17 March. A delegation of 44 Indian officials undertook technical talks in London. The negotiations, at official level, were conducted in a hybrid fashion, with some negotiators in our dedicated UK negotiations facility, and others attending virtually.

During this second round, talks focused on draft treaty text. Technical discussions were held across 26 policy areas over 60 separate sessions.

Both countries continue to share an ambition to secure a modern and comprehensive deal that would remove trade barriers and create new opportunities for business in the UK and India. The UK-India deal is a key opportunity to deepen our economic relationship with a dynamic and fast growing economy in the Indo-Pacific region.

This deal is part of a wider trading relationship with India. The 2030 Roadmap agreed last year sets the ambition of doubling trade with India by 2030 and provides a framework for the UK-India relationship that goes beyond the free trade agreement.

The third round of official level negotiations is due to take place in April 2022. We will focus on agreeing treaty architecture and seeking market access commitments to deliver benefit to UK consumers and businesses.

We remain clear that any deal the Government strikes must be in the best interests of the British people and the economy.

The Government will keep Parliament updated as these negotiations progress.