UK committed to FTA with India, says Rishi Sunak

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reiterated his country's commitment to a free trade agreement (FTA) with India as part of its focus on expanding ties with the Indo-Pacific region and standing up to competitors with "robust pragmatism".

Delivering his first major foreign policy speech since taking charge - at the Lord Mayor of London's Banquet - on Monday night, Sunak referred to promoting British values of "freedom and openness" around the world. The Indian origin leader also pledged to "do things differently", far removed from the so-called "golden era" with China, which he said poses a "systemic challenge" to British values and interests.

"Before I came into politics, I invested in businesses around the world. And the opportunity in the Indo-Pacific is compelling," said Sunak. "By 2050, the Indo-Pacific will deliver over half of global growth compared with just a quarter from Europe and North America combined. That's why we're joining the Trans-Pacific trade deal, the CPTPP, delivering a new FTA with India and pursuing one with Indonesia."


On China-UK ties, Sunak said, "Let's be clear, the so-called 'golden era' is over, along with the naive idea that trade would lead to social and political reform. But nor should we rely on simplistic Cold War rhetoric."