Negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and Australia are moving forward and both sides are ‘probably getting nearer’ to conclusion of talks, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said.
“We have made our offers. But renewed and refined or enhanced offers are awaited. In services also, we are negotiating for a better offer from Australia having given our own wish-list,” she told reporters on the sidelines of a CII function.
“So, it is at a very critical stage. We are closed to probably getting nearer an agreement.” She said the trade envoy of Australia met her in the morning and ‘we hope to progress’.
Earlier, FM Arun Jaitley had said he expected substantial headway in negotiations for the agreement and has also expressed hope for its early conclusion.