India and the UK are ‘very close’ to concluding negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement as both sides are working to iron out differences on issues including investment treaty, intellectual property rights (IPRs), and rules of origin, a senior government official said on Friday.
The official also said there is a broad consensus on matters related to auto and spirits, however, “nothing is agreed till everything is agreed”.
The 11th round of talks was concluded recently. For that round, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal visited London and took stock of the negotiations.
The official exuded confidence that the negotiations will be concluded this year.
“We are very close and are trying to conclude the talks as early as possible,” the official added.
