Sunak holds call with Modi as world leaders finalise major trade deal

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Rishi Sunak held a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this afternoon, as the two world leaders move towards finalising a trade deal. Mr Modi “conveyed his best wishes on the Prime Minister’s appointment on behalf of 1.6 billion Indians”, a Downing Street spokesperson said. Mr Sunak said that he is “a visual representation of the historic links between the UK and India”, adding that he intends “to build on this relationship to develop ever closer ties between our two countries”.

The Prime Minister’s spokesperson added: “Discussing shared global challenges, the Prime Minister praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership on tackling climate change and the leaders welcomed opportunities to bolster our security, defence and economic partnership.

“The Prime Minister hoped the UK and India could continue to make good progress in negotiations to finalise a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement.

“The leaders also agreed to work together as two great democracies to strengthen the developing economies of the world, and looked forward to meeting in person at the G20 in Indonesia.”

The UK has almost completed a free trade agreement with India.

But the deal will only be signed off by Britain once it is happy that it is fair and reciprocal, trade department minister Greg Hands said yesterday.

Speaking to parliament, Mr Hands said: “We have already closed the majority of chapters and look forward to the next round of talks shortly.”

He added: “We are working towards the best deal for both sides and won’t sign until we have a deal that is fair, reciprocal and ultimately in the best interests of the British people and the UK economy.”

Writing on Twitter after the call, Mr Sunak said: “Thank you Prime Minister @NarendraModi for your kind words as I get started in my new role.

“The UK and India share so much. I’m excited about what our two great democracies can achieve as we deepen our security, defence and economic partnership in the months & years ahead.”

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