London: The landmark UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) officially came into force on July 15, paving the way for cheaper, faster and easier trade between the two countries. The agreement is expected to provide an immediate boost to bilateral trade, which reached £48 billion in 2025.
To mark the occasion, a special consignment of British products arrived at the British Deputy High Commission in Mumbai aboard a British Airways flight. The package, unveiled by Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia, and David Wright, British Airways’ General Manager in India, included British cosmetics, food products and alcoholic beverages that will benefit from reduced import tariffs under the agreement.
Harjinder Kang described the implementation of the trade deal as a “watershed moment” for UK-India relations, saying it would deliver immediate benefits to businesses and consumers by making trade cheaper, quicker and easier.
David Wright said India remains one of British Airways’ most important markets, with the airline currently operating 63 weekly flights between the two countries, increasing to 70 flights a week by the end of summer. He said the agreement would further strengthen trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people ties.
Under the agreement, 99% of Indian exports entering the UK and 90% of UK exports entering India will now either be duty-free or subject to reduced tariffs.
The FTA is expected to benefit a wide range of industries, including automobiles, manufacturing, consumer goods, creative industries and medical technology, and is being viewed as one of the most significant milestones in the economic partnership between the UK and India.
