UK: Modi-'Aim To Finalise FTA w/UK This Year', Johnson Wants Deal By Oct

Speaking at a joint presser alongside UK PM Boris Johnson, Indian PM Narendra Modi states that 'good progress' is being made in FTA talks with the UK, and his hope is to finalise a deal by year-end.

• Yesterday Johnson stateed that he hopes a deal is reached by autumn.
• Modi also states that India hopes to 'deepen cooperation' with the UK on defence issues.
• Modi says of Johnson that "as an old friend, he knows and understands India very well". Says he and Johnson agreed on "an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and the use of diplomatic dialogue".
• While the UK would have hoped to secure more substantial language on Ukraine, India's continued relationship with Russia and import of Russian oil and gas means that was always an unlikely outcome.
• Harry Cole at The Sun tweets: "PM says “living bridge” between UK/India is “humming with goods and services and people.” “Hard to tell if something Indian, British or indeed Brindian” Cites Range Rover “owned in India, made in Britain.” 4 chapters of FTA already closed. “Get it done by Diwali in October”.