FM Sitharaman To Visit London Today For Key Talks On Bilateral Investment Treaty, FTA

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will visit London for three days (8th April to 13th April) starting Tuesday to engage in high-level discussions on various economic matters, including a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) and a bilateral investment treaty (BIT) with the United Kingdom.  

The visit will also see her participating in the India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, where key issues like market access for goods and services, dispute resolution mechanisms, and financial services will be on the agenda.

"The 13th EFD is a significant bilateral platform between the two countries that offers opportunities for candid engagement at Minister level, officer-level, working groups and between the respective regulatory bodies in various aspects of financial collaboration, including investment matters, financial services, financial regulations, UPI interlinkages, taxation matters and illicit financial flows," said Ministry of Finance.

The key priorities of the 13th EFD dialogue for Indian side include cooperation in IFSC GIFT City, investment, insurance and pension sectors, FinTech and Digital economy, and mobilising affordable and sustainable climate finance.

The Union Finance Minister and the Rt. Hon. Chancellor of the Exchequer are also set to announce and launch various reports and new initiatives for further collaborations.

On the sidelines of India-UK 13th EFD, Sitharaman will engage in bilateral meetings with key dignitaries, participate in investor roundtables and other meetings with heads of key financial institutions and companies.