PM Modi, his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak meet on G20 sidelines, agree to expedite FTA negotiations

A statement issued by the UK government said the leaders had a productive conversation about negotiations on a UK-India Free Trade Agreement. It stated that Sunak reiterated the UK’s ambition to deliver a landmark trade deal that benefits businesses and workers in both countries and grows bilateral trade in both goods and services.

“They agreed that ministers and negotiating teams would continue to work at pace towards an FTA,” it stated.

As per the statement, Sunak congratulated Modi on New Delhi’s consummate presidency of the G20 this year, which has demonstrated “India’s vital global leadership and influence.”

“The leaders reflected on the close and growing ties between the UK and India, exemplified in the ‘living bridge’ between our people,” the statement said. It mentioned that they agreed it was important to build on the past and focus on the future, cementing a modern partnership in cutting-edge defence technology, trade and innovation.

Several consular issues were also on the table for discussion, it stated.

Sunak and Modi “welcomed the opportunity to meet again in person”, and the UK PM congratulated his Indian counterpart “on delivering a successful G20 Summit”, the statement said.

The two countries have had a challenging relationship in the last few months over activities by pro-Khalistan groups in the UK. Sunak had earlier told news agency ANI that no form of extremism or violence is acceptable in the UK in reference to Khalistani extremism.