Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Sunak rejects quick-fix trade deal with India

Although some within the government believe a deal might still be attainable later this year, many now view the possibility of a UK-India free trade agreement as remote

Sunak rejects quick-fix trade deal with India

Rishi Sunak has dismissed the possibility of a swift trade agreement with India, effectively ruling out the likelihood of securing a deal before this week's G20 summit in Delhi or even before next year's elections, The Guardian reported.

Multiple sources familiar with the negotiations have reported that the prime minister has rejected the notion of an "early harvest" deal, which would have primarily reduced tariffs on certain goods but would not have addressed more complex issues like professional services.


This decision has eliminated any prospects of reaching an agreement this week, just before Sunak’s meeting with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi in Delhi.

Although some within the government believe a deal might still be attainable later this year, many now view the possibility of a UK-India free trade agreement, touted as a significant post-Brexit opportunity, as remote.

A government source revealed that discussions last year revolved around the potential for a deal by Diwali, but this was contingent on a shallow agreement focused on a limited range of goods. However, trade secretary Kemi Badenoch and Sunak have opted to abandon this approach, removing any associated deadlines.

One individual close to the negotiations expressed concern that an early agreement on goods could become the final arrangement, neglecting the more substantial priorities of the UK.

Despite high expectations, trade negotiations with India have persisted for several years without reaching a conclusion. Former prime minister Boris Johnson and his successor Liz Truss had previously promised a deal by the last Diwali, which occurred in October last year. However, nearly a year later, substantial disagreements still persist.

While certain agreements have been achieved in key areas, such as the reduction of tariffs on whisky and cars for India and the removal of tariffs on textiles and other goods for the UK, Sunak and Badenoch have rejected the idea of a slimmed-down trade agreement.

They fear that such an agreement could jeopardize the pursuit of a more comprehensive deal.

Notable areas of contention in the comprehensive agreement include Indian demands for increased visas for Indian students and employees of Indian firms, which the Home Office prefers to address separately from the trade deal.

The UK also seeks enhanced intellectual property protections, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, while India aims to restrict the proportion of UK goods produced outside the UK.

Officials suggest that a comprehensive deal remains possible this year if Sunak can convince Modi to prioritize it politically. However, many anticipate that further delays will render it infeasible in the near term, as both leaders focus on upcoming general election campaigns.

A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade emphasised the UK's commitment to signing a deal that is fair, balanced, and in the best interests of the British people and the economy, though they refrained from commenting on ongoing negotiations.

More For You

Trump

Trump said the suspect had been arrested earlier for 'terrible crimes,' including child sex abuse, grand theft auto and false imprisonment, but was released under the Biden administration because Cuba refused to take him back.

Getty Images

Trump says accused in Dallas motel beheading will face first-degree murder charge

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has described Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, the Indian-origin motel manager killed in Dallas, as a “well-respected person” and said the accused will face a first-degree murder charge.

Nagamallaiah, 50, was killed last week at the Downtown Suites motel by co-worker Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, a 37-year-old undocumented Cuban immigrant with a criminal history.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer Mandelson

Starmer talks with Mandelson during a welcome reception at the ambassador's residence on February 26, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Getty

Starmer under pressure from party MPs after Mandelson dismissal

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer is facing questions within the Labour party after the sacking of US ambassador Peter Mandelson.

Mandelson was removed last week after Bloomberg published emails showing messages of support he sent following Jeffrey Epstein’s conviction for sex offences. The dismissal comes just ahead of US president Donald Trump’s state visit.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nepal’s new leader pledges to act on Gen Z calls to end corruption

Officials greet newly-elected Prime Minister of Nepal's interim government Sushila Karki (R) as she arrives at the prime minister's office in Kathmandu on September 14, 2025. (Photo by PRABIN RANABHAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Nepal’s new leader pledges to act on Gen Z calls to end corruption

NEPAL’s new interim prime minister Sushila Karki on Sunday (14) pledged to act on protesters’ calls to end corruption and restore trust in government, as the country struggles with the aftermath of its worst political unrest in decades.

“We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation,” Karki said in her first address to the nation since taking office on Friday (12). “What this group is demanding is the end of corruption, good governance and economic equality. We will not stay here more than six months in any situation. We will complete our responsibilities and hand over to the next parliament and ministers.”

Keep ReadingShow less
UK secures £1.25bn US investment ahead of Trump’s visit

US president Donald Trump and UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer arrive at Trump International Golf Links on July 28, 2025 in Balmedie, Scotland. (Photo by Jane Barlow-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

UK secures £1.25bn US investment ahead of Trump’s visit

THE British government has announced over £1.25 billion ($1.69bn) in fresh investment from major US financial firms, including PayPal, Bank of America, Citigroup and S&P Global, ahead of a state visit by president Donald Trump.

The investment is expected to create 1,800 jobs across London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester, and deepen transatlantic financial ties, the Department for Business and Trade said.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nearly 150,000 join anti-migrant protest in London as clashes erupt

Protesters wave Union Jack and St George's England flags during the "Unite The Kingdom" rally on Westminster Bridge by the Houses of Parliament on September 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Nearly 150,000 join anti-migrant protest in London as clashes erupt

MORE THAN 100,000 protesters marched through central London on Saturday (13), carrying flags of England and Britain and scuffling with police in one of the UK's biggest right-wing demonstrations of modern times.

London's Metropolitan Police said the "Unite the Kingdom" march, organised by anti-immigrant activist Tommy Robinson, was attended by nearly 150,000 people, who were kept apart from a "Stand Up to Racism" counter-protest attended by around 5,000.

Keep ReadingShow less