A new era for UK–India ties – and how you can be part of it

As someone who has spent decades building businesses, supporting charities, and working with communities in both the UK and India, I know the power of our shared heritage – and the potential of our shared future. That’s why I am delighted by the signing of the UK–India Free Trade Agreement: a landmark deal that brings our two nations closer than ever before.

This historic agreement did not happen overnight. It builds on the strong foundations laid by the previous Conservative Government, which launched formal negotiations in January 2022 following the Enhanced Trade Partnership in 2021. By the time last year’s General Election was announced, discussions were well advanced – and I am pleased to see that hard work result in a deal that will benefit both nations for decades to come.The FTA is not just about trade figures; it’s about opportunity. It will boost the UK economy by £4.8 billion annually, increase wages by £2.2 billion, and double trade to £120 billion by 2030. It cuts tariffs on Scotch whisky, opens the door for Indian exports, and – perhaps most significantly – allows UK-made electric and luxury vehicles to enter India at just 10% duty instead of over 100%. This is a win for businesses, consumers, and communities on both sides.At Conservative Friends of India, we’re not stopping here. We will be hosting a series of events in the coming months to explain what this deal means for different sectors and what comes next in UK–India relations. These sessions will provide practical advice for businesses and a forum for dialogue on future cooperation in technology, education, and green energy.If you want to learn more, or to help strengthen the ties between our two great nations, I invite you to join Conservative Friends of India. Together, we can make sure this agreement delivers real benefits – not just on paper, but in people’s lives, businesses, and communities across the UK and India.