PM Modi Speaks To UK Counterpart Rishi Sunak, Both Leaders Agree On Early Conclusion Of FTA

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with newly-elected British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday and both leaders agreed on importance of early conclusion of comprehensive and balanced free-trade agreement (FTA).

This was their first conversation since Sunak became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on Tuesday. PM Modi congratulated him on his appointment as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

“We will work together to further strengthen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We also agreed on the importance of early conclusion of a comprehensive and balanced FTA,” PM Modi tweeted.

Rishi Sunak took to Twitter to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for congratulating him on his new position. He stated, “The UK and India share so much. I’m excited about what our two great democracies can achieve as we deepen our security, defence and economic partnership in the months & years ahead.”

India and the United Kingdom began negotiations for a free-trade agreement (FTA) in January, with the goal of concluding talks by Diwali, but the deadline was missed due to a lack of agreement on issues. Sunak previously expressed support for the FTA as Chancellor of the Exchequer, citing enormous opportunities for both countries in the fintech and insurance sectors.