Some of the issues such as labour standards that trade partners like the EU and the UK have been pushing for inclusion in the FTAs, will be very seriously given a second thought. India has come a long way in formulating FTAs with the UK, Oman, Australia and the EU, which require duty cuts on certain products such as agriculture. The government is expected to play a more defensive role in deciding on agri exports. The outcome of the UK FTA is highly linked to UK elections (scheduled next month), while the EU FTA is poised mid-way.
