India, Europe and Brexit - Living in uncertain times

Britain and the European Union have started the long and painful negotiations on Britain’s exit from the Union – but the outcome of the Brexit talks remains uncertain. EU policymakers have voiced frustration at Britain’s negotiating stance on key issues such as the rights of EU citizens living in Britain and the so-called “financial settlement” or the Brexit bill while Britain’s pro-Brexit politicians and press have accused the EU of being too rigid and inflexible. While her officials do battle in Brussels and London, British Prime Minister Theresa May is seeking to consolidate old and new partnerships for her “Global Britain” agenda of international free trade deals to compensate for any fall in trade with the EU27. Given the lack of clarity on the outcome of the negotiations – and fears that Britain may in the end leave the EU without a deal – many businesses have started to move from Britain to new headquarters in Europe. In this scenario, India has a stake as both UK and India are keen to start a free trade agreement.

What opportunities and challenges does India see in Brexit?
Six months after the start of Brexit negotiations, are we getting any clarity regarding the future of EU-UK-India relations?
Will Germany replace the UK as India’s gateway to the European Union?