Two Nations Celebrate Historic Agreement To Let Citizens Purchase Items From Each Other

Officials from both countries reportedly spent the better part of four years negotiating the landmark pact, which will formally permit the exchange of goods and services that have been flowing between the two nations largely unimpeded for decades. A spokesperson for the trade ministry confirmed that the 1,400-page document primarily consists of language authorizing things that were already happening. "We are thrilled to announce that Australian consumers will now be allowed to buy things from India, and vice versa, in a way that is slightly different from how they were already buying things from each other," the spokesperson said. The signing has been scheduled for Saturday, a detail sources say required its own seven-month negotiation after both sides initially proposed Tuesday. Economists estimate the deal could boost bilateral trade by as much as a rounding error.

Riffing on real coverage: Australia and India to sign trade deal on Saturday - Australia