India and UK resume long stalled talks

 The talks involve a free trade agreement (FTA), a bilateral investment treaty, and a separate social security pact. While the UK is seeking lower tariffs on key commodities such as whiskey and cars, India wants concessions in the auto sector, particularly for EVs. This would be India's first full-fledged agreement with a Western country, which could boost its global economic presence and possibly pave the way for deals with the EU and others.

The talks come at a time when the global trade rules are in flux. Trump has shaken up the trade game, imposing duties on long-standing allies and threatening reciprocal tariffs. Just Trump has announced that they would go ahead with the 25 per cent import duties on Canada and Mexico. The tariffs had been paused earlier after the two allies agreed to ramp up border security to stop the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs. Hoping to escape Trump’s wrath, India is eyeing a trade deal with the US as well.