India to Decouple BITs from FTAs to Protect National Interests: Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated once again that Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) have to be separately negotiated from Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and in a manner that is in the national interest. She emphasized that while India is opening up to foreign direct investment (FDI), one should remember the origin of the investment so that national security can be maintained because of India's delicate geopolitical location. Sitharaman stated, "I cannot accept FDI blindly because we need investment, without regard to where it is coming from." The step is being taken to ensure that foreign investment is in harmony with India's own development imperatives and security requirements.
Source: Moneycontrol