(a) whether UK has sought flexibility in India’s data norms as part of talks for trade and investment treaty;
(b) if so, the response of the Government thereto;
(c) whether both the countries have asked each other to lower duty on goods being imported and exported;
(d) if so, the ground set by both the countries before talks between Prime Ministers of both the countries in April 2021; and
(e) the further steps taken or being taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI)
(a) and (b): No sir. .
(c) to (e): During the trade ministerial meeting between India and the UK held on 6th February 2021 in New Delhi, it has been agreed to launch an Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) during the visit of the UK Prime Minister to India, later this year. Both sides are accordingly extensively engaged with each other to finalise the modalities of the ETP. This is part of the ongoing process and both sides would continue to discuss and address all issues of bilateral interests as part of the regular bilateral trade engagement between India and the UK.
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