Liz Truss’s meeting with Indian commerce minister Piyush Goyal

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss spoke to India’s Minster for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal today (Monday 13th September) to discuss the scope and ambition for a UK-India free trade agreement following the close of the Department for International Trade’s public consultation last month

They discussed the findings from the consultation and agreed the steps to get ready to launch negotiations later this year – including the start of a series of trade working groups from September. These discussions between the UK and Indian Governments will help both sides better understand each other’s position on potential chapter areas in any trade deal including tariffs, standards, IP and data regulation.

They also discussed the newly established Enhanced Trade Partnership, and confirmed their commitment to timely implementation of the market access package.

The International Trade Secretary reaffirmed her ambition to negotiate a trade agreement that delivers results for the British people and businesses including those in digital and data, tech and food and drink. Both ministers agreed that continuing to engage with the business community was vital throughout the forthcoming negotiations.

Findings from the Department for International Trade’s consultation will be published before the start of negotiations as part of a wider package outlining a strategic rationale for the FTA, including the UK’s negotiating objectives and economic analysis of a potential deal.