The UK government has stated that student visas will not be included in the India-UK Free Trade Agreement negotiations, which will focus exclusively on temporary business mobility visas. Cross-party peers have urged for a timely completion of the FTA, emphasizing its importance for economic growth between the two nations, valued at GBP 41 billion last year.
The United Kingdom government’s recent communications clarify that only temporary business mobility visas, and not student visas, will be part of the ongoing negotiations for the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This information was disclosed during a debate within the House of Lords, emphasizing the limited scope of visa discussions related to the FTA under current negotiations.
In the parliamentary session, Lord Sonny Leong, acting as Government Whip, acknowledged cross-party calls for clarity and highlighted his personal connections to India through his family. He noted, “Our bilateral relationship also includes the millions in India who follow the Premier League…” He affirmed that student visas will not be included in the trade discussions, focusing instead on specific business visas meant to facilitate temporary and limited mobility for exporters.
Responding to inquiries regarding progress towards finalizing the FTA, Lord Leong asserted the government’s commitment to negotiating at a pace conducive to achieving a beneficial agreement for the UK. Emphasizing quality, he stated, “…we will prioritise the quality of the deal rather than the haste with which we can secure it.” He also pointed out that the economic ties between India and the UK amounted to GBP 41 billion last year, significantly impacting job creation.
Concerns were raised by British Indian peers about the urgency of establishing the FTA, with multiple members urging faster negotiations to strengthen the UK’s economic future against the backdrop of India becoming a major economy. Lord Sahota remarked on the importance of seizing opportunities presented by the relationship, stating, “If we get this right, we can shape the UK’s economic future for decades to come.”
Additionally, Lord Bilimoria urged the UK to expand its role in the Indo-Pacific region by joining the Quad alliance, while Baroness Verma called for the appointment of dedicated trade envoys to India to enhance diplomatic and trade efforts. These discussions follow a recent round of FTA negotiations, which were characterized by focused discussions and a positive outlook from both sides.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed optimism about progress in the trade talks, reflecting the British side’s interest in moving forward with negotiations. This sentiment reinforces the urgency for both nations to solidify their trading relationship amidst evolving global economic landscapes.
In summary, the UK government has clarified that only temporary business mobility visas will be part of the FTA negotiations with India, with student visas excluded. The government is committed to securing a high-quality agreement at a suitable pace, amidst increasing calls from British Indian peers for urgency in these discussions. The economic relationship between India and the UK remains a priority, with both sides expressing optimism about progressing the trade talks.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
