The manual has been developed by the UK India Business Council in collaboration with HSBC India. It is designed to enable businesses across both countries to understand, interpret, and effectively utilise the opportunities emerging from the comprehensive trade agreement. The document was unveiled at an event organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and supported by the UK India Business Council, bringing together senior business leaders from India and the United Kingdom.
According to an official press release, India and the United Kingdom have consistently underscored the importance of strengthening their partnership through trade expansion, innovation, and advanced technology collaboration. The release highlighted recent high-level diplomatic engagements, including discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Starmer’s visit to India in 2025, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy’s visit to India two years ago, and the recent visit of United Kingdom Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle.
The statement further noted that bilateral trade between India and the United Kingdom reached approximately £47.9 billion, equivalent to nearly USD 56–60 billion, across the four quarters ending in Q4 2025. This represents a 10 per cent increase compared to previous years, reflecting sustained momentum in economic engagement between the two nations.
Speaking at the launch, HSBC India Chief Executive Officer Hitendra Dave said the institution’s strong presence in both markets, combined with expertise in international banking, trade finance, and investment, positions it uniquely to support clients in navigating evolving cross-border opportunities. He added that the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement provides greater certainty, improved market access, and stronger commercial collaboration, urging businesses to utilise the guide as a foundation for strategic action.
UK India Business Council Group Chief Executive Officer Kishore Jayaraman described the agreement as a defining moment in one of the world’s most significant economic partnerships. He stated that the newly launched manual serves as a first-of-its-kind business utilisation guide, translating a complex trade framework into a practical roadmap for enterprises operating across both markets. He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that businesses and universities are equipped not only to understand the agreement but also to fully leverage its potential.
The UK India Business Council, a not-for-profit policy advocacy and strategic consulting organisation, continues to support businesses and universities seeking to explore, enter, and expand within the India–United Kingdom market ecosystem.
The launch of the utilisation manual underscores a critical phase in the operationalisation of the India–United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, signalling deeper institutional cooperation and a structured pathway for enhanced bilateral economic integration.
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