New Delhi [India], The much-awaited India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations have reached the crucial stage. Sources have revealed that the Crucia round will begin after the formation of the new government after the ongoing general elections. According to officials familiar with the information, a total of 13 rounds of talks have taken place so far for the India-UK FTA and the 14th round is 10. Starting in January, 2024. Sources said chapter-wise textual negotiations are almost complete, and talks on goods and services are underway. "Both sides have made good progress and are working to resolve outstanding issues. On the other hand, negotiations for an India-EU FTA have completed their seventh round in February this year. The eighth round of talks is scheduled. Sources said that in Brussels on June 24-28, however, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar said at a seminar on the 'Roadmap for a Developed India' at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in Mumbai. He stressed that the India-EU FTA is an important trade priority due to the number of non-trade issues involved. The aim is to secure an "ambitious" outcome for bilateral trade - currently worth around GBP 38. billion per year, according to official figures. India, in turn, is concerned about the fairness of the rules applied to Indian workers who are temporarily transferred to the UK on business visas. who have not paid National Insurance despite not being eligible for a UK pension or social security benefits.