Trading Bloc to India - Nirmala Sithraman denies news report
THE ‘Hindu' newspaper had reported on Tuesday:
India has been told to either agree to eliminate tariffs on most products quickly or leave the talks on the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), being negotiated by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the trading bloc comprising 16 Asia-Pacific countries.
Sources in two ministries told The Hindu that the other RCEP members have issued this ultimatum being irked by what they perceive as New Delhi's "obstructionist, defensive and half-hearted approach" that is "delaying" the conclusion of the talks. They said the apprehensions were voiced at the last round of negotiations in February in Brunei, adding that the 12th round of RCEP talks slated for April 23-29 at Perth in Australia could be a "turning point" in the negotiations with India.
Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted:
Sorry, @the_hindu this is baseless! Trading bloc to India: Cut tariffs or exit FTA talks - The Hindu.
The RCEP negotiations are happening in detail. India participating in the next round beginning 24 April '16 at Sydney, Australia.
We've made our offers for goods & services. Are being discussed. "India has been told...to leave the talks...?" Shocked to say the least!