UK steel import curbs delay India free trade agreement

India and the United Kingdom delayed their free trade agreement rollout following new British steel import restrictions. The deal was initially scheduled for implementation in May before the steel safeguards created a new hurdle. This delay threatens market access for Indian steel exporters.

India's Trade Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Friday that the two nations are near operationalizing the pact despite the sticking points. He noted that the UK steel measures were not factored into the original negotiations.