UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is poised to decline India’s request for the relaxation of student visa rules within the context of the final stages of the UK-India free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations. Sunak’s decision reflects his commitment to prioritize the interests of the British public, even if it entails rejecting India’s proposal.
This stance is likely to receive support from Conservative MPs who are concerned about the potential consequences of increased Indian student admissions on British jobs and public services. Nevertheless, it may come as a disappointment to Indian businesses and students who had hoped for a more lenient visa regime. As the FTA negotiations progress, addressing this issue is just one of the many challenges the two nations will need to navigate, and the final outcome remains uncertain. Compromises may be reached, but the negotiations could also face the risk of collapsing entirely.