The UK is moving to accelerate implementation of its Free Trade Agreement with India as Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle travels to New Delhi for high-level talks aimed at advancing
the next phase of the bilateral economic relationship, already valued at £48 billion a year.
Kyle is due to meet India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss steps to bring the landmark agreement into force as quickly as possible, with both governments prioritising swift rollout of its provisions.
The visit comes against a backdrop of heightened global economic uncertainty, including disruptions linked to the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has added pressure to supply chains and energy markets. UK officials say deepening trade ties with India is central to efforts to strengthen economic resilience and support growth.
The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, is expected to remove tariffs on 99% of UK exports and 90% of Indian exports, significantly lowering barriers to trade across sectors ranging from automotive goods to food and drink. Officials say the deal will make cross-border commerce faster, cheaper and more predictable for businesses in both countries.
Described by the UK government as its most economically significant bilateral trade deal since leaving the European Union, the agreement spans 30 policy chapters covering areas including labour standards, environmental protections, gender equality and innovation.
Kyle will also meet representatives from British and Indian industry to discuss readiness for implementation and to ensure businesses can take advantage of new market access once the agreement takes effect.
Bilateral trade between the UK and India reached £48 billion in 2025, with long-term projections suggesting the agreement could boost UK GDP by nearly £5 billion and significantly increase trade flows between the two economies.
The visit follows last year’s UK trade mission to India, led by the Prime Minister and attended by more than 100 business leaders, which was aimed at expanding commercial opportunities following the signing of the deal.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Kyle said the agreement would open substantial opportunities across sectors such as whisky, automotive manufacturing and advanced services, adding that the government was focused on delivering “certainty and stability” for businesses navigating a volatile global economy.
The UK has recently expanded its trade network, including a deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council, as part of a wider strategy to strengthen economic partnerships with key global markets. Photo by Chris McAndrew, Wikimedia commons.
