New Delhi [India], July 15 (ANI): The UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), one of the largest trade agreements in recent history, officially came into force on Wednesday.
Total UK-India trade, valued at £48 billion in 2025, is expected to receive an immediate boost, with consumers gaining cheaper, faster, and easier access to British and Indian products and services in both countries, according to an official release.
To mark the occasion, a special shipment of British goods arrived at the British Deputy High Commission in Mumbai aboard a British Airways flight. The package was unveiled by Harjinder Kang, Trade Commissioner for South Asia, and David Wright, British Airways’ General Manager for India, symbolizing the new opportunities created by the agreement.
The shipment included British products benefiting from reduced tariffs, including cosmetics, food items, and alcoholic beverages.
Harjinder Kang, Trade Commissioner for South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, said, “This is a watershed moment for the UK-India partnership. As the landmark trade deal comes into force, what better way to celebrate than having select British products arriving on one of the very first UK flights into India this morning, with thanks to the support of British Airways. Our landmark trade deal is designed to benefit businesses and consumers from day one with cheaper, quicker, and easier trade. We are all excited to take full advantage of it.”
David Wright, British Airways’ General Manager for India, said, “India is one of British Airways’ most important markets, and we have a long history of connecting people, businesses, and cultures across the UK and India. With 63 flights each week, increasing to 70 by the end of summer, we play an important role in strengthening economic and cultural ties between our two countries.”
“The UK-India Free Trade Agreement marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the UK and India and reinforces the long-term potential of one of the world’s most dynamic international corridors. We are proud to support this landmark agreement and the opportunities it will create for trade, investment, and tourism.”
“As the UK’s flag carrier, we look forward to deepening our links with India and connecting customers and communities across our global network for years to come,” he added.
Beginning Wednesday, 99% of Indian goods entering the United Kingdom and 90% of British goods entering India will either be duty-free or subject to reduced tariffs, the release said.
The agreement is expected to benefit a broad range of industries in both countries, including automotive, manufacturing, consumer goods, creative industries, and medical technology, marking a major milestone in the bilateral economic partnership.
To commemorate the agreement, the UK government will host a series of events in India and the United Kingdom, including business receptions in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and at Lancaster House in London.
Over the long term, the agreement is expected to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually, raise India’s gross domestic product by £5.1 billion, and boost the UK’s gross domestic product by £4.8 billion each year, according to the release. (ANI)
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