The India-UK Free Trade Agreement is expected to generate immediate benefits for both countries while creating broader economic opportunities in the years ahead, according to UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds.

Speaking in New Delhi, Reynolds described the agreement as ground breaking in both scope and scale, emphasising that it would strengthen an already significant bilateral relationship and deliver tangible advantages to businesses and communities on both sides.

Reynolds was in India as part of one of the UK’s largest-ever trade missions to a partner country. The delegation includes three Cabinet ministers, seven mayors and around 200 businesses, underlining the importance London attaches to its economic relationship with India.

He noted that the agreement is designed to provide benefits that begin immediately after implementation and continue expanding over time as trade and investment flows increase between the two nations.

Reynolds said the deal arrives at a time when global trade has faced considerable challenges, with many countries adopting more inward-looking economic policies in recent years. Against that backdrop, he characterised the India-UK agreement as a significant example of two major economies pursuing deeper commercial integration.

The UK minister highlighted that the agreement is more comprehensive than previous arrangements, covering both goods and services while creating opportunities across a wide range of industries. He said the breadth of the pact would enable businesses and consumers in both countries to experience direct benefits.

For India, sectors expected to gain from the agreement include agriculture, jewellery and leather. For the UK, industries such as automotive manufacturing, food and drink are among those anticipated to benefit from improved market access and stronger commercial links.

Reynolds also stressed India’s growing influence on the world stage, describing the country as increasingly important not only economically but also diplomatically. He said India’s expanding global presence makes it a vital partner for the UK as both nations seek to strengthen long-term strategic and economic cooperation.

The UK delegation’s visit is aimed at deepening business engagement, encouraging new investment opportunities and accelerating commercial partnerships created by the Free Trade Agreement. The initiative is expected to further reinforce economic cooperation and support long-term growth in bilateral trade between India and the UK.

ANI