“Baseless,” India denies reports of halting trade talks with UK over London High Commission attack

Indian authorities on Monday denied reports of stalling trade negotiations with the UK for trade facilitations, calling them ‘completely baseless’. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement soon after UK-based The Times reported that India has ‘disengaged’ from trade talks with Britain after the latter failed to act on the Khalistani mob that attacked the Indian High Commission in London last month.Citing British government sources, the Times reported that India has ‘disengaged’ from trade talks with Britain after accusing it of failing to condemn the Sikh extremist group that attacked the Indian High Commission in London last month.

“We have seen the report claiming India has halted its trade deal with the UK, it is completely baseless,” sources in the MEA said. Sources added the next round of official negotiations is likely to take place from April 24 in London.

“Both the UK and India are committed to delivering an ambitious and mutually beneficial FTA and concluded the latest round of trade talks last month,” a spokesperson of the UK’s Department for Business and Trade said.

“The Foreign Secretary has condemned the recent acts of violence at the Indian High Commission, and we are working with the Metropolitan Police to review security and make changes to ensure the safety of its staff,” the statement added