India-UK FTA Finalized, But Bilateral Investment Treaty Still Awaited
After multiple rounds of negotiations, India and the United Kingdom (UK) successfully finalized a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and a social security pact on May 6. However, the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between the two nations remains under negotiation. While FTAs primarily aim to boost trade by easing the flow of goods and services between countries, BITs are designed to safeguard and promote foreign investments. These treaties ensure that investors from both nations receive fair treatment and protection when investing in each other’s markets. According to an official familiar with the discussions, talks on the BIT are ongoing, with key sticking points including the acceptable time frame for dispute resolution and whether taxation provisions will be included. “The BIT with the UK is expected to be finalized soon, likely within the next few months and certainly within this year,” the official said. In the diplomatic arena, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK co...