Former UK Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch Claims to Have Blocked India-UK FTA Over Visa Demands

Kemi Badenoch, the former business and trade secretary of the United Kingdom and a leading candidate to succeed Rishi Sunak as the Conservative Party leader, has revealed that she halted progress on the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) due to disagreements over visa concessions. According to British media reports, Badenoch stated that India's demands for an increase in visa allocations were a major factor in the delay of the FTA. Badenoch, a politician of Nigerian heritage, is currently competing against former Cabinet colleague Robert Jenrick in a Tory membership vote for leadership. Her remarks highlight the contentious issue of migration, which has been a significant point of negotiation between the UK and India in the ongoing trade talks. The India-UK FTA was intended to boost trade between the two nations, but it has faced repeated delays, with migration policies emerging as a key sticking point. Badenoch, in her capacity as trade secretary, had resisted India’s push for more generous visa agreements, suggesting that the UK government under Sunak was not willing to make extensive concessions in this area. The visa debate has long been a sensitive issue in UK-India relations, as India seeks increased opportunities for its professionals and students to work and study in Britain. The British government, on the other hand, has focused on balancing immigration control with fostering international business partnerships. Despite ongoing negotiations, the FTA has yet to be finalised, with both sides emphasising different priorities. The UK government views the deal as an opportunity to strengthen its post-Brexit global trade relationships, while India sees it as a chance to secure greater access to the UK market, including through more flexible migration rules. As the Conservative leadership race continues, Badenoch’s stance on immigration and trade could influence the future direction of the UK’s relationship with India. Whether the FTA will move forward remains uncertain, especially if visa concessions remain a point of contention.

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