UK NEW AIR SERVICE AGREEMENT
India, UK to hold next round of talks on proposed trade agreement this month
Senior officials of India and the UK will hold talks this month to finalise the proposed free trade agreement, as the new government in Britain aims to resolve pending issues and conclude negotiations. The talks, which began in January 2022, were stalled during the countries' general election cycles. Both sides are working towards a mutually beneficial FTA, addressing issues in goods, services, investments, and intellectual property rights.
What does Keir Starmer's win mean for the Khalistan issue?
The UK's Labour Party's recent election win in parliamentary election raises questions about its stance on movements like Khalistan. New PM Keir Starmer aims to improve UK-India relations, but concerns remain due to the party's past support for pro-Khalistan leaders.
Government change in UK won't impact proposed FTA
The Labour Party gained a landslide majority in Thursday's parliamentary elections and dealt a bruising defeat to incumbent Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party. "Smooth transition of current talks will take place as the Labour Party has shown support to the trade deal with India," said Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, Research and Information System for Developing Countries. The Labour Party holds a different position on social service payments and totalisation issues, he said, adding that this could be an arena of discussion in upcoming rounds of talks.
UK Elections 2024 Result: How Keir Starmer's 400-paar feat for Labour party will impact India-Britain relations
UK Elections 2024: The likely change in UK government leadership raises questions about its impact on policies, particularly concerning India, a crucial trade partner currently negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA). Both the Conservatives and the Labour Party have prioritized finalizing an FTA with India, with the Conservative manifesto emphasizing a broader strategic partnership encompassing technology and defence.
India-UK FTA: Dynamics set to change after Starmer-led Labour Party's election victory?
India-UK FTA: Keir Starmer's Labour Party is poised to end the 14-year Conservative Party rule in the UK, with Starmer set to become the next Prime Minister. The change in government is expected to have minimal impact on India-UK relations, particularly concerning the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Starmer's manifesto pledges to pursue a "new strategic partnership" with India, focusing on finalizing the FTA, marking a departure from previous Labour Party stances. Despite the anticipated shift, the specific timelines for concluding the FTA remain uncertain.
Rishi Sunak's historic journey to becoming UK's first Prime Minister of Indian heritage
Rishi Sunak has made history as the first Prime Minister of Indian heritage in the UK. Rising from Chancellor during the COVID pandemic, he navigated economic challenges but faced party scandals. Despite his achievements, anti-incumbency sentiments prevail. Sunak's family background, values, and dedication to public service shape his leadership.
- Go To Page 1
UK general election: FTA with India on manifesto agenda for both Tory, Labour
As the UK gears up for the general election, a potential free trade agreement with India remains a key focus for both the Conservatives and Labour, with negotiations stalled at the fourteenth round. The Tories aim for a comprehensive partnership, including technology and defense, while Labour criticises missed deadlines and emphasises readiness to finalise the deal. Challenges include tariff removal on Scotch whisky and concerns over visa rules for Indian workers.
The Traitors: New Zealand Season 2: See host, cast, streaming information and release date
The Traitors: New Zealand returns for its second season in Summer 2024 with host Paul Henry and a diverse cast of 22 contestants. The show will stream on Three and Three Now.
India to remember Kanishka victims after Canada Parliament honours Hardeep Singh Nijjar
India announces memorial service to honor 329 victims of Khalistani bombing of Air India's Kanishka in 1985, in response to Canadian House of Commons moment of silence for Hardeep Singh Nijjar's murder.
India looks to sign FTA after UK elections, 8th round of talks soon
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is set to be signed after the UK's elections on July 4. So far, 13 negotiation rounds have been completed, focusing on reducing tariffs and addressing regulatory concerns. Both sides aim to finalize the FTA to enhance bilateral trade, currently valued at GBP 38.1 billion annually.
Air India announces launch of non-stop services between Bengaluru and London Gatwick from August
With Bengaluru becoming the fifth Indian city to be connected to the UK's second-largest airport, Air India has announced that it will start non-stop services between Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport and London Gatwick (LGW), starting August 18 this year.
India's helicopters being flown with Maldives defence personnel onboard: media report
Weeks after India withdrew its military personnel from the Maldives, the two helicopters gifted by New Delhi are still operational, flown with a Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) soldier on board. President Mohamed Muizzu, who pledged to remove Indian military presence, saw the repatriation of the last personnel by May 10. India replaced its military staff with civilians to continue operating the donated helicopters and Dornier aircraft, used for medical evacuations and humanitarian missions, maintaining defense ties despite local political changes.
Ukraine's Zelenskyy gets more air defence missiles from Spain to fight deadly Russian glide bombs
Two Patriot systems are needed to protect the northeastern Kharkiv region, where the Kremlin's forces launched a cross-border offensive on May 10 that left Ukrainian troops reeling, Zelenskyy said. The death toll from a glide bomb attack on a Kharkiv shopping mall Saturday rose to 18, regional Gov Oleh Syniehubov said Monday, with five people still missing.
Baggage arrival time improves at six airports
The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Tuesday said when the exercise was started on January 14, only 62.2% of the passengers were getting their baggage within IATA-prescribed timelines.
Commerce ministry's draft strategy to negotiate future FTAs to be circulated among key departments soon
The commerce ministry has developed a draft comprehensive strategy for future Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The draft will reviewed by key departments, aiming to streamline negotiation processes with India's trading partners. The strategy, presented during a recent meeting involving trade experts, aims to ensure thorough analysis, background work, and systematic reporting throughout negotiation phases. Discussions at a recent 'Chintan Shivir' in Rajasthan also covered topics like India's trade strategy, including new issues like labour and environment in FTAs.
India held two-day "Chintan Shivir" to formulate strategy and SOPs for FTAs
The commerce ministry's two-day "Chintan Shivir" aimed to develop strategies for free trade agreements (FTAs), focusing on India's trade vision for 2047 and new FTA disciplines. Experts emphasized consultation with stakeholders and timely sharing of negotiation details. India is negotiating FTAs with various countries, including the UK, EU, Australia, Eurasian Economic Union, and Peru. Negotiations for the India-EU FTA are at a crucial stage, while the India-UK FTA has made progress but faces challenges like tariff reductions and fair treatment of Indian workers in the UK.
No unauthorised operation by Indian military pilots in Maldives: High Commission
India dismisses Maldivian Defence Minister's claim of unauthorized operation by Indian military helicopter pilots in 2019. Relations strained as President Mohamed Muizzu demanded withdrawal of Indian military troops by May 10. Defence Minister Ghassan highlighted an alleged unauthorized sortie incident during a press conference, mentioning an emergency landing at Thimarafushi.
Air India, Lufthansa deepen ties in 'rare' code-sharing pact
Lufthansa and Air India have deepened partnership with code-share expansions on India-Australia route. Experts note that it's unusual for Lufthansa to code-share with Air India on international routes.
Hindujas sign new India-UK healthcare pact with King's College London
The Hinduja Group and King's College London partnership aims to enhance healthcare outcomes in India and the UK through training, research, and scholarships, creating the Hinduja-King's Health Partners Academy for future healthcare professionals.
FTAs and new markets will increase India's export to USD 1 trillion by 2030
With these new initiatives, India has seen a surprising surge in exports of precious metals, minerals, automobiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals, textiles, spices and defence equipment.
UK, Oman trade agreements may figure in Commerce Ministry's 100-day agenda for new Govt: official
Talks between India and Australia to expand the scope of existing economic cooperation and trade agreement (ECTA) for a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement (CECA) are also progressing at a healthy rate, the official said.
UK, Oman trade agreements may figure in commerce ministry's 100-day agenda for new Govt: official
The exercise assumes significance as while chairing a Cabinet meeting on March 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the ministers to meet secretaries and other officials of their respective ministries to discuss how the agenda for the first 100 days and the next five years can be better implemented.
Flying to Southeast Asia gets easier with more flights, easy visa rules
Traffic to Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia is increasing exponentially after the countries eased visa regime for India.
Round 14 of India-UK FTA talks closes ahead of election schedule
The fourteenth round of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and the UK has concluded, with the next round expected to commence after the Indian general elections. The negotiations, which began in January 2022, aim to enhance bilateral trade, currently valued at around GBP 38.1 billion annually. Both sides remain committed to reaching an "ambitious" deal but acknowledge the need for further discussions to finalize terms across goods, services, and investment. The UK seeks reduced tariffs on exports to India, while India is concerned about the fairness of rules for Indian workers in the UK.
India-UK trade talks set to end with key issues unresolved
The latest round of trade talks between the UK and India appears set to end without a breakthrough. Negotiations for a free-trade agreement, seen as a key prize of Brexit, have been plagued by disputes over visas, market access, and more. Indian negotiators don’t have sufficient time to engage on the pending issues ahead of elections likely in April, two people familiar with the development said, refusing to be identified as the discussions are private. That means the 14th round of talks is likely to close without further discussions.
India's trade pacts with UK, Oman, EFTA bloc positive signal of economic integration with world: GTRI
According to a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative, the successful conclusion of India's proposed trade agreements with the UK, Oman, and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) will reflect its commitment to trade liberalisation and economic integration.
Indian official delegation heads for London for FTA talks
Negotiations for the India-UK free trade agreement are in the final stage. A high-level Indian delegation is heading to London to resolve remaining issues on goods, services, and rules of origin. The negotiations cover 26 chapters, including market access, skilled professionals, and import duties. The bilateral trade between India and the UK increased to USD 20.36 billion in 2022-23.
PMO reviewed UK free trade agreement last week
India is headed for general elections in April-May while polls in the UK are to take place by January next year. While most of the 26 chapters of the pact, dealing with the opening up of varied sectors, are either closed or at an advanced stage of negotiations, some issues related to rules of origin and market access remain unresolved.
Trying to crack toughest knots in FTA talks: UK envoy Alex Ellis
India and the UK launched the talks for FTA in January 2022, with an aim to conclude talks by Diwali last year, but the deadline was missed due to political developments in the UK. There are 26 chapters in the agreement, which include goods, services, investments and intellectual property rights.
Load More
