LUCKNOW: In a highly expectedmove, the United Kingdom's Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, is expected to attend the ODI World Cup 2023 cricket clash between India and England. This high-octane encounter is slated to unfold at the iconic Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on October 29.

Mr. Sunak's visit to India, scheduled for the end of October, is primarily aimed at bolstering the ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations. While official confirmations have yet to be issued from both sides, it is widely anticipated that his itinerary will encompass a pit stop in Lucknow to witness the India-England showdown in the esteemed Cricket World Cup.

At present, Indian and British negotiators find themselves immersed in the 14th round of discussions in New Delhi, marking significant progress towards a prospective trade agreement. With mutual interests aligning harmoniously on 24 of the 26 chapters within the proposed deal, this visit by Mr. Sunak holds the promise of steering the negotiations towards a fruitful conclusion. The tentative schedule has the Prime Minister's visit commencing on October 28, contingent on the sustained advancement of these crucial talks.

This is not Mr. Sunak's first venture into the Indian subcontinent, as he graced New Delhi just last month for the G20 Summit. During that visit, he engaged in productive discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, laying the foundation for a bilateral meeting. The agenda revolved around working towards a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA). Consequently, Mr. Sunak promptly accepted Prime Minister Modi's invitation for a bilateral visit, committing to a date that would be mutually convenient. This announcement was relayed through an official statement by the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Despite significant strides in bridging differences on numerous fronts, certain contentious matters have emerged as potential roadblocks to the agreement. The United Kingdom is keen on securing enhanced access to the Indian market for an array of products, including dairy goods, electric vehicles, and the world-renowned Scotch whisky. Conversely, Indian negotiators have expressed reservations regarding rules of origin for goods and the mobility of professionals. India has been keen to emphasize that many skilled workers in various sectors no longer require long-term visas, as their roles often necessitate shorter stints. This perspective aligns with the British side's reluctance to expand beyond the existing annual quota of approximately 100,000 work visas allocated to Indian nationals.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's attendance at the India vs. England ODI World Cup match in Lucknow not only underscores the deep-rooted cricketing connections between the two nations but also serves as a symbolic prelude to pivotal trade negotiations that hold the potential to reshape the economic landscape between India and the United Kingdom.

Adhering to Legal Norms: Rishi Sunak, Justin Trudeau Urge Calm in India-Canada Dispute