The referendum to leave the European Union last year proved to be a momentous decision for Britain as a nation. Regardless of which side people supported, the overwhelming goal now must be to make a success of the negotiations and the opportunities that have presented themselves, above all, the chance to lead the world as a great, global, free trading nation.
The Prime Minister, Theresa May has been very clear on this point, saying as much time and again, from her address at the G20 summit late last year, to her speech at Lancaster House on Brexit.
Today no country promises more trading opportunity than the world’s fastest growing economy – India. And with our shared ties of culture, commerce and people, no country is better placed to seize that opportunity than Britain.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has signalled the important role that India is set to play as one of Britain’s strongest post-Brexit trading partners. “I think the time is fast upon us when we need to turbo charge this relationship with a new free trade deal,” he said while on a mission to Delhi in January.
“This is not the time to put up barriers between our countries. This is time to break down barriers that will in the long term to create the jobs, the good jobs with good incomes that offer real hope and comfort” he said.
“Let us work together, Britain and India are united by our values and in many ways by our approaches to the problems of the world and it is working together to improve our security that we will allow the freedom and the openness that will drive our long term prosperity.”
The foreign secretary has good reason to back the strengthening Anglo-Indian relationship through trade. British and Indian companies have a history of providing mutually beneficial products and services to each other. As a stronger trading relationship is built between our two nations more jobs will be created, a greater variety of goods will be available to the growing middle classes, and we will have the opportunity to share vital skills and services.
A number of well-known British firms have already increased their investments in India. High street cosmetics emporium Lush opened its first store on the streets of Mumbai, United Biscuits increased their investment in India by £20 million, and Fever-Tree made a splash by announcing that it would start exporting its British tonic water to India, winning the Queen’s Award for Exports. Smaller firms are also taking up this opportunity. For example, Green’s Power, a small British engineering company are exporting parts for coal-fired power stations in India.
The triggering of Article 50, which signals the start of negotiations with the European Union, will present Britain with many challenges and opportunities. As the Prime Minister has already said, new trade agreements with other countries will form a key part of the government’s Brexit plan. A strong free trade policy will define our country in the coming years. Who could ask for a better partner to help us succeed in a post-Brexit world than India?
