Historic India-UK Trade Mission Seeks Stronger Economic Ties

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's India visit underscores the landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement, aiming to enhance bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually. The trade pact seeks to double trade by 2030, offering new market opportunities and job creation across key sectors, marking a new chapter in UK-India relations.

In a significant move to strengthen economic ties, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with business leaders in Mumbai, underscoring the importance of the India-UK trade partnership established post-Brexit. Starmer described this trade mission as the largest ever dispatched by the UK to India, highlighting its pivotal role in fostering bilateral relations.

The UK's departure from the European Union has paved the way for new trade alliances, with the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) being a major milestone. Signed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK, the FTA aims to boost trade by £25.5 billion annually, reducing dependency on EU markets and bolstering ties with India's growing economy.

The FTA promises vast tariff reductions, benefiting sectors such as textiles, whisky, and automotive industries. The agreement, set to create thousands of jobs, underlines the strategic importance of expanding market access and doubling trade by 2030. Starmer's visit, his first to India, marks a promising new chapter in UK-India relations, signaling shared aspirations for economic prosperity.

(With inputs from agencies.)