Secretary of State for International Trade (): The sixth round
of UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations began on 12
December and concluded on 16 December. As with previous rounds,
this was conducted in a hybrid fashion - UK officials travelled
to New Delhi for negotiations and others attended virtually.
Technical discussions were held across 11 policy areas over 28
separate sessions. They included detailed draft treaty text
discussions in these chapters.
Coinciding with the start of the round, on 12-13 December I also
visited New Delhi to meet my counterpart, Minister Piyush Goyal.
We discussed the negotiations and the wider UK and India trade
relationship. Discussions covered our respective ambitions for
the deal, and we welcomed the progress made so far. I also made
clear on our red lines in the negotiation. I was also clear that
in this negotiation, as with all our FTA negotiations, the NHS
and the services it provides is not on the table.
I also met a number of UK and Indian businesses. I heard
first-hand about the significant opportunities that an ambitious
FTA could bring as well as the challenges that some businesses
currently face and how governments can help break down barriers
to trade and investment.
Both sides are working toward a balanced deal which will
strengthen our economic links and bring real benefits to UK
businesses, families and consumers.
The seventh round of official-level negotiations is due to take
place in early 2023.
The Government will continue to keep Parliament updated as these
negotiations progress.
