The UK government clarified that student visas will not be part of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement negotiations, focusing instead on temporary business mobility visas. The discussions aim to strengthen bilateral trade, valued at GBP 41 billion, while peers in the UK Parliament urged swift action towards finalizing the arrangement.
The United Kingdom government has clarified that student visas will not be included in the ongoing negotiations for the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The focus of discussions is solely on temporary business mobility visas, as asserted during a recent debate in the House of Lords. UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds had previously reinitiated negotiations with his visit to New Delhi last month.
Lord Sonny Leong, acting as Government Whip, responded to queries regarding the negotiations and emphasized the significance of business mobility in the agreement. He highlighted that these visas are temporary and specific to business purposes, noting that student visas are not part of the trade talks. He also acknowledged the importance of the bilateral relationship, particularly in relation to entertainment and sports.
Lord Leong addressed concerns regarding the timeline for finalizing the FTA, stating that while a swift agreement is desired, the quality of the deal must take precedence over speed. He noted that the UK-India bilateral trading relationship was valued at GBP 41 billion last year, contributing significantly to job creation in both countries.
During the session, various British Indian peers expressed their urgency for the FTA, citing India’s potential as a major economy. Lord Sahota stressed the need for quick action to ensure the UK’s relevance in global trade, while Lord Bilimoria advocated for stronger connections within the Indo-Pacific region through alliances like the Quad.
Baroness Verma suggested appointing dedicated trade envoys to India to enhance diplomatic efforts, emphasizing the importance of having focused representation in such a significant market. The UK government recently concluded a round of negotiations labeled as “focused discussions,” as noted by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during a visit to the UK.
In summary, the UK government has confirmed that student visas will not be included in the FTA negotiations with India, which are currently concentrated on temporary business mobility visas. The importance of the bilateral trading relationship and the need for a well-structured FTA was highlighted during the discussions in the House of Lords. Key figures advocate for expedited negotiations to enhance economic ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
