Georgia, India discuss establishment of Indian Embassy in Georgia, negotiations on free trade agreement

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia and Ambassador of India Kishan Dan Dewal have discussed the establishment of an Indian Embassy in Georgia and the opportunities of concluding a free trade agreement between the two countries at the meeting held this morning, announces the government of Georgia.

Press-release published by the government of Georgia reads that  the decision made by India regarding the establishment of an embassy in Georgia 'is gratifying', proving that relations between the two countries are developing over time. 

At the meeting Gakharia and Dan Dewal focussed on further deepening trade and economic relations between Georgia and India, which will be 'significantly facilitated by concluding a free trade agreement', says the government of Georgia.

Dan Dewal said that India is ready to intensify negotiations on signing a free trade agreement. 

Georgian Economy Minister Natia Turnava said that Georgia and India had prepared a feasibility study which said that a free trade deal will have 'a very positive effect' for both countries. 

We have already exchanged the text of this agreement and we hope to move to direct negotiations in the near future", said Turnava.

The first round of free trade talks should have been held by now, but it was postponed because of the pandemic and is planned to be held in the nearest future, says the government of Georgia. 

Georgia began free trade talks with India in 2017.