India and the United Kingdom concluded the fifth round of talks for an India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) last month, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Thursday.
The ministry said that negotiation officials undertook these technical talks in a hybrid fashion - with some of the teams meeting in New Delhi, India, and the majority of officials joining virtually.
"On 29 July 2022, the Republic of India and the United Kingdom concluded the fifth round of talks for an India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA)," the Commerce Ministry said in a press release.
For this round of negotiations, technical experts from both sides came together for detailed draft treaty text discussions in 85 separate sessions covering 15 policy areas, the release said.
Indian and UK officials will continue to work intensively throughout the summer towards our target to conclude the majority of talks on a comprehensive and balanced Free Trade Agreement by the end of October 2022.
India and UK launched Free Trade Agreement negotiations in January this year. The two countries are exploring the possibility of an interim agreement to provide quick gains for benefitting businesses on both sides.
Last month, Commerce Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam said the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talk between India and the United Kingdom is on track and the negotiations are likely to be completed by end of August.
Speaking to the media after signing two MoUs and a framework agreement with the UK, Subrahmanyam said that the India-UK FTA negotiations would be concluded by August 31 and after internal approvals on both sides, the agreement would be ready to be signed as per the convenience of leaders of the two countries.
On the impact of the change in government in the UK on the proposed FTA, Subrahmanyam said, "Irrespective of the party in power in the UK, the logic of FTA with India is irreversible."
Over 25 years of experience in animal welfare across multiple countries.
Focused on linking animal protection with environmental and public health concerns.
Uses innovative campaigns and technology to raise awareness globally.
Early lessons and global mission
Poorva Joshipura’s dedication to animal welfare traces back to her early years, inspired by her grandmother’s lessons in compassion and kindness toward all living beings. Today, she leads PETA International as its first president, addressing diverse challenges around the world. In India, campaigns focus on ending the chaining of elephants in temples, while in Jordan, efforts target the welfare of donkeys used in tourism. In France, PETA promotes vegan fashion, and global campaigns urge corporations to adopt practices that reduce animal suffering.
She says protecting animals also about safeguarding our own future
Joshipura’s approach combines advocacy with innovation. PETA has introduced mechanical elephants in temples and uses interactive experiences to teach children about kindness to animals. Virtual reality programs on college campuses illustrate the impact of human choices on animal lives. She emphasizes that treating animals ethically is not only about compassion but also about protecting human health and the planet, citing the links between intensive farming, climate change, overuse of antibiotics, and the spread of diseases like COVID-19 and bird flu.
A life of action
A defining moment came at a Kolkata slaughterhouse when Joshipura encountered a frightened calf. “I could not save him that day, but I promised to dedicate my life to preventing this suffering for others,” she recalls. She urges aspiring activists to start small, take action, and involve their communities, stressing that individual choices, from plant-based diets to cruelty-free products, can drive significant change.
Her advice to aspiring activists is clear: start small, take action, and involve your community
Vision for the future
Looking ahead, Joshipura envisions a world where plant-based alternatives are mainstream, ethical innovation shapes fashion and entertainment, and more people embrace compassionate lifestyles. “In five years, I hope we will look back and be amazed at how far we have come in protecting animals,” she says.
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