LONDON/NEW DELHI The United Kingdom and India have signed a landmark free trade agreement, hailed as the UK’s most significant trade achievement since its exit from the European Union.
The deal slashes tariffs on major British exports, including whisky, automobiles, and aerospace technology, while India gains streamlined migration pathways for skilled workers and reduced tariffs on key exports like textiles and spices.
Economists estimate the pact could boost the UK’s GDP by £4.8 billion over the next 15 years and expand bilateral trade by £25.5 billion by 2040, making it a cornerstone of Britain’s global trade strategy in the post-Brexit era.
For India, the agreement marks a diplomatic win, enhancing its stature as a growing global trade player while deepening ties with the UK amid shifting geopolitical alliances.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the deal as a “new chapter” in Commonwealth-era relations, signaling a deeper economic and political partnership between the world’s fifth- and sixth-largest economies.
Critics in both countries, however, warn that implementation challenges and sectoral protections may slow early benefits. Still, the deal is seen as a major political and economic win for both governments.
