Working groups have been set up to lay the groundwork for the UK-India trade deal

India & the UK have intensified discussions to move towards an early harvest deal, followed by a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Talks between Union Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK International Trade Secretary Liz Truss on Monday saw the launch of trade groups to lay the groundwork for the forthcoming deal.

Goyal later described the discussions as "productive".

"Held a productive discussion with Secretary of State for International trade, UK Rt Hon.@TrussLiz, on enhancing the India-UK trade partnership.

India & UK are strengthening trade ties by moving towards an early harvest deal, followed by a comprehensive FTA," Goyal said in a tweet.

Truss tweeted that trade working groups had been launched to lay the groundwork for the forthcoming UK-India trade deal, which will:

* Boost access to more than a billion consumers

* Bolster our science & tech industries

* Support jobs in both countries

According to a readout issued by the UK Department of International Trade, these discussions between the UK and Indian Governments will help both sides better understand each other’s position on potential chapter areas in any trade deal including tariffs, standards, IP and data regulation.

The two sides also discussed the newly established Enhanced Trade Partnership, and confirmed their commitment to timely implementation of the market access package, it said.

The International Trade Secretary reaffirmed her ambition to negotiate a trade agreement that delivers results for the British people and businesses including those in digital and data, tech and food and drink.

Both ministers agreed that continuing to engage with the business community was vital throughout the forthcoming negotiations, the readout added.