(Image source from: x.com/narendramodi)
India and the UK recently finalized a Free Trade Agreement, aiming to increase trade between the two nations to $120 billion by the year 2030. The agreement was signed by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and UK's Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer present. Indian farmers are anticipated to benefit the most from this trade agreement. Indian agricultural products and processed foods will now be able to enter British markets without any tariffs. The deal states that British markets will be open to Indian farm products, providing Indian farmers with more advantages compared to those from European nations. Items like turmeric, pepper, and cardamom, along with processed goods such as mango pulp, pickles, and pulses, will receive duty-free entry through this agreement. This will expand their market access and enhance their profit potentials.
The government has assured that it will protect its vulnerable agricultural industry from British goods. No tariff reductions will be made on dairy items, apples, oats, and edible oils to support local farmers. The Free Trade Agreement will also assist India's fishing industry, especially in coastal regions like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Exports such as shrimp, tuna, fishmeal, and feed, which currently pay duties of 4.2 to 8.5 percent in the UK, will now have duty-free access to the British market. It will also become easier to export labor-intensive goods like leather, shoes, and clothing, while the prices of whiskey and cars coming from the UK will drop. Prime Minister Modi, who is making his fourth visit to the UK, stated that this trip will significantly enhance the economic ties between the two countries.
The talks with PM Keir Starmer were outstanding, particularly in the wake of the successful signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. In addition to economic cooperation, this agreement sets the stage for boosting shared prosperity. @Keir_Starmer… pic.twitter.com/PQD1f2zu2M
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025
"Our aim is to promote prosperity, foster growth, and create more jobs for our people. A strong relationship between India and the UK is vital for global advancement," he expressed upon arriving in London. British Prime Minister Starmer has termed the FTA a "historic agreement". He believes that a significant deal with India will result in jobs, investment, and growth in the UK. It will create thousands of job opportunities for British workers and enable new business ventures, putting more money in the hands of the workforce. "This is our Plan for Change being realized," he stated.
