We are closer than ever to the India-UK FTA deal, but it doesn't mean we will have one: Jeremy Hunt

India and the UK are closer than ever to an FTA deal, but that does not mean there will be one, said UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt.

He told CNBC-TV18 there was a strong momentum in talks on the free trade agreement and the bilateral investment treaty. "We want to have the most open possible FTA with the least possible restrictions. We are closer to the deal than we have ever been but it doesn't mean we will have a deal. Rishi Sunak has been clear that we will sign it when we have the right deal for the UK," he said.

He also spoke about the direct listing of Indian companies on the London Stock Exchange, which was the big takeaway from the 12th India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue. "We want Indian companies to benefit from the London Stock Exchange. There is urgency and determination from the top to conclude discussions on the listing of Indian companies on the London Stock Exchange," he said.