The UK government stated today that the talks ongoing for the India-UK FTA majorly concern only temporary business mobility visas, while other student and other visa categories are excluded. During a House of Lords debate, Lord Sonny Leong mentioned that business mobility visas are, by nature, limited, temporary, and purpose-specific, of benefit typically to the UK exporter overseas. Immigration, in such discussions, is not within the scope of talks on FTAs. Both countries want to get the deal done quickly, but they want to make sure it is right and getting done. Bilateral trade was worth GBP 41 billion last year. The negotiations try to strike a balance between delivering benefits and preserving national interests.
Source: The Economic Times