‘India-UK FTA Finalised 10 Days Ago’: High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami Shares Behind-the-Scenes Details
From why Chequers was chosen over London to how UK PM’s visit was replaced by PM Modi’s trip, Indian envoy reveals exclusive insights
What led to the finalisation of the landmark Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), also referred to as the free trade agreement (FTA), between India and the United Kingdom? Why was Chequers — and not London — selected as the venue for the signing?
Vikram Doraiswami, India’s High Commissioner to the UK, offered exclusive background details to CNN-News18’s Anand Narasimhan, shedding light on how the terms of the expansive 30-chapter agreement were settled just 10 days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK.
‘PM Starmer was to visit India in July’: The story behind PM Modi’s UK trip
The India-UK CETA was officially signed on Thursday in the presence of both PM Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. When asked whether Modi’s visit was unplanned, Doraiswami clarified, “It wasn’t unexpected. We had been working on the idea since both leaders announced the completion of talks on May 6. It was planned that the two Prime Ministers would meet and sign the agreement during a bilateral summit.”
“The initial plan was for PM Starmer to come to India in the third week of July. But during their meeting at the G7 summit in Canada, the UK side mentioned that mid-July posed scheduling challenges — it’s the beginning of the summer break in the UK. Starmer could potentially travel a couple of months later. However, PM Modi offered to visit the UK instead since the deal was ready. Starmer welcomed the suggestion,” he explained.
Inside the 30-chapter agreement: Legal reviews and preparations
“A Prime Ministerial visit entails a lot in terms of arrangements, but this time we also had the trade pact. Though the negotiations had wrapped up, this was the most intricate and comprehensive trade deal we’ve done. With nearly 30 chapters, the legal vetting needed to be completed on time,” Doraiswami said.
“Roughly 10 days ago, every final detail was closed. Legal teams from both countries reviewed the text thoroughly. It was then ready for cabinet approvals by the weekend. Both PMs were optimistic. Our PM firmly believed the agreement would benefit India, strengthen the India-UK relationship, and send a strong message globally that India is a prime destination for business,” he added.
“We had been engaging with the Labour Party long before their election victory. The entire cabinet reviewed what had already been negotiated and agreed to carry it forward. Trade agreements are complex by nature — there are mutual concessions and gains at the negotiation table,” he said.
“We also worked with the Indian diaspora, ensuring that everything was handled securely and transparently. We emphasized that space would be provided for public scrutiny. This is by far the most progressive FTA we’ve signed. I haven’t seen such depth and complexity in any earlier agreement. It redefines the way we conduct business,” he noted.
Why Chequers, not London?
Addressing speculation over the venue, Doraiswami stated, “Chequers is a historically significant estate — the official countryside residence of the British Prime Minister. Inviting someone to Chequers is among the highest gestures of goodwill. Our PM spent the night there. Signing the deal at Chequers underscores its historic importance. This marks the first time such a significant event took place there, and also the first time Indian businesses were invited to Chequers. The venue was filled with entrepreneurs from both nations.”
On extremism and fugitive criminals
When questioned about extremist groups operating in the UK, Doraiswami said, “They tarnish the image of peaceful, diligent communities. Their rhetoric, often laced with caste-based and religious slurs, amounts to hate speech. They bring no credit to either the country of their origin or their adopted homeland. It’s entirely up to the UK to address these groups.”
On the subject of fugitive criminals, he clarified, “India’s stance is straightforward — we seek maximum cooperation with the UK on a broad range of matters, including security. We respect the legal process, but once all legal avenues are exhausted, we expect these individuals to be returned. The responsibility to repatriate them lies with the UK.”
