New Delhi, June 12 -- Significant hurdles remain before the proposed India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement can be finalised, UK Member of Parliament Bob Blackman said, cautioning that "a lot of work" is still required to bridge gaps in market access, professional services and tariffs.

The British MP emphasised that the ongoing negotiations should not be mischaracterised as a done deal. Speaking on the current status of the negotiations, Blackman told ANI in a virtual interview that the agreement under discussion is a specific trade pact rather than a standard free trade arrangement.

"We've obviously signed defence and security agreements with India, and we cooperate fully," Blackman said. "I would just correct it: it's not...