Australia has said it is engaged in a ‘complicated negotiation’ with India to conclude a free trade agreement with Australian negotiators battling with ‘strong protectionist sentiments and technical market issues’.“like Australia it's (India) a federation, so sometimes you have different state taxes and charges as well. It's a complicated negotiation but we are working very hard on it,” said Peter Roberts, assistant secretary from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Roberts said the talks were tough as Australian negotiators battling with ‘strong protectionist sentiment and technical market issues as well’. He was speaking at the Australian Grain Industry Conference. India ranks 12th biggest trading partner of Australia.