Overview

• India and the UK have resolved 25 of 26 chapters in their proposed free trade agreement, with over 75% of the text legally vetted.
• Key unresolved issues include carbon tariff exemptions, expanded services access, investment protection clauses, and social security arrangements.
• Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State Jonathan Reynolds have held high-level discussions to advance negotiations.
• Goyal may return to London later this week to address last-minute technical hurdles and finalize the agreement for signing.
• The agreement aims to double bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, fostering innovation-led growth and expanded investment opportunities.