British PM Boris Johnson bats for India-UK FTA, says deal will take ties to 'next level'

The British PM said, his country has "world-class businesses and expertise we can rightly be proud of, from Scotch whisky distillers to financial services and cutting-edge renewable technology".  

New Delhi: Ahead of the launch of the negotiations of India, UK free trade agreement, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that the deal benefits British businesses and takes partnership with New Delhi to the next level. 

Boris Johnson said, "A trade deal with India’s booming economy offers huge benefits for British businesses, workers and consumers. As we take our historic partnership with India to the next level, the UK’s independent trade policy is creating jobs, increasing wages and driving innovation across the country".

The negotiations will be formally launched today by India's trade minister Piyush Goyal and visiting British International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan. The pact is expected to increase total trade by up to £28 billion a year by 2035.