British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to the government residence Chequers, PTI news agency reported, BTA reports.
The two leaders held private talks before the official start of negotiations. The main focus of the meeting is the signing of an ambitious free trade agreement, as well as the presentation of a joint “Vision for the UK-India by 2035“, aimed at deepening the strategic partnership.
Modi arrived in London yesterday, and the signing of the agreement will be the highlight of his two-day visit. Three years of trade talks between the two countries ended in May.
The new deal is expected to see Britain remove tariffs on 99% of Indian goods, while the Indian market will be further opened up to British exports of whisky, cars and other products. It will be the largest trade deal Britain has struck since leaving the European Union.
In addition, Delhi and London signed a social security convention under which employees temporarily working in one country will pay social security contributions only in their home country. This will reduce double taxation and make it easier for cross-border companies and professionals to work.