Indian Discussion Forum

Britain's international development minister Gareth Thomas today called for concluding the trade negotiations between the EU and India this year itself.

Thomas told a meeting in Brussels that European and Indian negotiators must not let the discussions get "stuck in the weeds" as he highlighted the importance of securing a deal that brings trade and development benefits to both regions.

Progress in the discussions has been slow so far as both sides look to agree to a deal that would be pro-development as well as pro-trade, a press release here said.

Current restrictions mean that skilled professionals in certain sectors, such as law from Europe cannot practice in India, while Indian IT experts, for example, often face barriers within the EU.

The EU-India free trade agreement would also see a reduction in export tariffs.