Overview
- The UK and India have concluded 25 of the 26 chapters in their free trade agreement, with only one minor issue remaining unresolved.
- India has accepted limited visa concessions, with approximately 100 new work visas for Indian professionals annually, finalizing the mobility chapter.
- Key sticking points include India's push for exemptions from UK national insurance contributions for short-term workers and concerns over a proposed carbon border tax.
- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds held productive talks in London, signaling imminent progress on the deal.
- An official announcement is anticipated soon, with British business leaders invited to 10 Downing Street for updates on the negotiations.