India-UK Investment Relations and ‘Global Britain’

Abstract

Political commentators in the United Kingdom (UK) and elsewhere have written much about the theme of ‘Global Britain’ that started to emerge after the UK’s decision to exit from the European Union (Brexit). The concept of ‘Global Britain’ is about the UK reinvesting in its relationships with other countries, championing a rule-based international order, and signalling an assertive, inclusive, outward-facing, and free-trading Britain. While some criticise this theme as a vision of ‘Empire 2.0′, some argue that there are inherent contradictions in the theme of ‘Global Britain’ due to a high anti-globalism sentiment that led to Brexit, on the one hand, and the UK’s desire to forge new trade deals with several countries, on the other. One of the important pillars of the ‘Global Britain’ theme is the UK’s role as an energetic champion of free and open trade. As part of this initiative, the UK has signed several free trade agreements (FTAs) and is also negotiating many more with countries like India. India figures prominently in the vision of Global Britain. As part of Global Britain’s Indo-Pacific strategy, the UK is desirous of deepening its