India-UK trade deal: Modi to visit London for FTA signing on July 24, Piyush Goyal to accompany him

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to London on July 24 for the signing of the free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom, PTI reported on Monday citing an official. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will accompany him during the visit.The two countries had announced the conclusion of negotiations for the FTA on May 6. The pact aims to eliminate duties on Indian exports such as leather, footwear, and clothing, while also reducing import tariffs on British products like whisky and cars. The agreement is expected to help double bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030.PM Modi’s four-day visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives begins on Wednesday, with the objective of strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, and defence, the official added.Following the signing, the agreement will require ratification by the British Parliament and approval from India’s Cabinet. Implementation is expected to take about a year.