India-Sri Lanka Trade Talks: Focus on Customs Duty Concessions and Visa Norms

India is negotiating customs duty concessions on various goods including vehicles and machinery with Sri Lanka under a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA). Talks also aim for eased visa norms for professionals. The 14th round recently concluded in Colombo, addressing a range of trade barriers, with future talks postponed until after Sri Lankan elections.

India is pushing for customs duty concessions on several goods including cars and machinery in ongoing comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with Sri Lanka, officials said.

The 14th round of talks between senior officials from both countries concluded recently in Colombo, covering topics like rules of origin and technical trade barriers.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, seeks to remove apparel export quotas and gain duty concessions on tea and agricultural commodities. Further talks are set to resume post-Sri Lankan elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)