India, UK seal landmark free trade agreement

New Delhi, May 06: India and the United Kingdom on Tuesday announced the conclusion of a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that eliminates tariffs on a majority of goods and services, marking a major step forward in their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The deal is accompanied by a Double Contribution Convention aimed at easing cross-border taxation and investment flows.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed the development in a post on X, writing: “Delighted to speak with my friend PM @Keir_Starmer. In a historic milestone, India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement, along with a Double Contribution Convention. These landmark agreements will further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies. I look forward to welcoming PM Starmer to India soon.”

The agreement follows Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to London on April 28. While talks were initially expected to conclude by April 29, discussions extended into May, reflecting the complexity and scale of the negotiations. The FTA comes after a nine-month pause in talks, which resumed in February.  The agreement is expected to boost trade volumes, simplify market access, and open new opportunities for businesses in both nations.