India, UK to narrow gaps to roll out trade deal

NEW DELHI: India and the UK on Tuesday agreed to resolve the gaps so that the bilateral trade agreement can be implemented at the earliest.

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal held talks with UK secretary of state for business and trade Peter Kyle on addressing the ticklish issues as India has concerns over the steel quotas and duties that are sought to be introduced by the Keir Starmer govt.

"Had great conversations on charting the next phase of India-UK economic engagement, advancing shared business priorities, and further strengthening our robust and forward-looking partnership," Goyal said in a social media post.

Engaged in extensive discussions with UK Permanent Secretary Ms. Amanda Brooks on #IndiaUKCETA implementation. Took stock of progress and worked through the sticking points, while exploring new pathways under #IndiaUKCETA #GlobalTrade #EconomicPartnership aligned with #ViksitBharat. Reaffirmed commitment to regular engagement with @UKGovScotland @TradeGov for effective implementation, Rajesh Agrawal, commerce secretary said in a post on X.

Britain's safeguard measures on steel are coming in the way of rolling out the trade deal, which will lower tariffs and ease access for businesses, as India wants the issue to be resolved.

Besides, govt is seeking the carbon border adjustment mechanism, which is to kick in from next year.