London: During his two-day visit to London, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized the importance of enhancing trade and investment relations with the UK. His discussions with prominent business leaders aimed to identify opportunities for deeper collaboration.

Following a meeting with Jonathan Reynolds, the UK Secretary for Business and Trade, to further the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, Goyal engaged with Martin Gilbert, Chair of Revolut, focusing on fintech innovations, and Al Cook, CEO of De Beers Group, to discuss global trends in the diamond and jewelry sector.

Goyal shared insights on India's burgeoning fintech landscape and the significance of global partnerships for fostering innovation and growth after his meeting with Gilbert. Regarding his conversation with Cook, he highlighted India's potential, sustainable practices, and growth opportunities within the diamond industry.

These individual discussions were succeeded by a dinner with a delegation of Indian CEOs, including Anant Goenka, Senior Vice-Chairman of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), along with former presidents Harsh Pati Singhania and Rajan Bharti Mittal. Goyal remarked on the promising growth of Indian industries and the potential for enhanced collaboration with the UK.

On the agenda for Tuesday is a meeting with UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and other senior officials.

The ongoing FTA negotiations, which resumed in February after a hiatus due to last year's general elections, are crucial for finalizing a deal that could significantly boost the existing GBP 41 billion annual trade relationship between India and the UK.

A spokesperson from the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) stated, "This government is dedicated to securing a beneficial agreement with India that will enhance access for UK businesses, reduce tariffs, and simplify trade processes."