A major UK trade mission to India is expected to generate more than £1 billion in new commercial deals, create hundreds of jobs and strengthen business ties between the two countries.
The mission, involving more than 100 businesses, government ministers and regional leaders from northern England, is visiting New Delhi and Mumbai to promote British businesses, attract investment and secure new export opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
The visit builds on the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed in July 2025, which has opened up new opportunities for businesses in both countries. Since the agreement was signed, deals worth nearly £12 billion have been secured, according to the UK Government.
Total trade between the UK and India reached £48 billion in the 12 months to March 2026, an increase of £3 billion compared with the previous year in current prices.
The delegation includes the Business Secretary, the Secretaries of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Scotland, several northern Mayors, a combined authority leader and representatives from businesses across multiple sectors.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the trade agreement had created opportunities for regional businesses to build partnerships, attract investment and support employment.
“Our trade deal with India opened the door, and now regional businesses are walking through it with our northern Mayors leading the way in building partnerships to drive jobs, investment and growth back home,” he said.
“This billion-pound trade mission will deepen ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies to bring opportunity to every postcode.”
Technology, aviation and retail lead commercial deals
Technology, aviation, retail and food and drink businesses are among those set to benefit from new commercial opportunities emerging from the UK’s trade mission to India.
Technology firm Meta for Data Technologies will invest £50 million in the UK, creating 500 highly skilled jobs in London and Manchester. The investment will fund a new artificial intelligence and data research centre, an engineering and AI hub, and a quantum computing laboratory in Greater Manchester, alongside an expansion of its London headquarters.
UK aviation services provider Menzies Aviation is expected to generate more than £600 million in revenue through a 15-year ground-handling licence at Bengaluru’s largest domestic cargo facility, expanding its operations in India.
British childrenswear brand Angel & Rocket plans to open 100 stores across India over the next five years, with projected revenue of £43 million. Meanwhile, Cambridge-based Panakeia expects to generate £27.6 million through its expansion into India, offering AI technology to improve breast cancer diagnosis.
Scientific collaboration will also be strengthened through an agreement between Oxford Nanopore and India’s Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council-Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, paving the way for a Centre of Excellence in Hyderabad.
Doors open for exporters and education
The mission is also promoting opportunities for British food and drink exporters. Representatives from organisations including the National Farmers’ Union, Salmon Scotland and the Scotch Whisky Association are part of the delegation.
Under the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, whisky tariffs have been reduced from 150% to 75%, while salmon can enter India tariff-free. British shortbread is also expected to benefit from improved market access.
During the visit, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will meet Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss trade and co-chair the UK-India Science and Innovation Council alongside Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh.
The visit also coincides with the opening of the University of Liverpool’s Bengaluru campus, which aims to accommodate 10,000 students within a decade.
The UK Government estimates that the trade agreement could boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually in the long term.
