India-UK Free Trade Agreement Comes Into Force, Opening New Opportunities for Trade, Investment and Employment: Piyush Goyal

Writing in an English daily, Mr. Goyal said the Free Trade Agreement will create unique opportunities for businesses and further accelerate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047. He stated that the ambitious agreement has been designed to empower every section of society and reflects the capabilities and aspirations of the people of India.

The Minister said the India-UK FTA will generate wide-ranging benefits for women, farmers, youth, micro, small and medium enterprises, innovators, professionals and fishing communities by creating new economic and employment opportunities. He added that the agreement will extend its advantages beyond Indian exporters and will also support white-collar professionals across various skill levels.

Mr. Goyal highlighted that nearly all of India’s exports to the United Kingdom will now enjoy duty-free access under the agreement, creating significant opportunities for small businesses, farmers, fishermen, innovators, women and labour-intensive industries. He said the expanded market access is expected to strengthen India's export competitiveness while promoting inclusive economic growth.

Emphasising the broader economic impact, the Commerce and Industry Minister said the agreement will generate prosperity through the creation of numerous jobs and business opportunities. He noted that Indian manufacturers will gradually be exposed to healthy competition, enabling consumers to benefit from competitively priced, high-quality goods. According to Mr. Goyal, more than 75,000 Indian professionals and over 900 companies are expected to benefit from the Free Trade Agreement.

The Minister also underlined that the agreement protects sensitive agricultural products by placing them on the sensitive list. He said dairy products, vegetables, apples, edible oils, oats, millets, cooking oils and other sensitive farm commodities have not been granted any duty concessions for imports from the United Kingdom. Mr. Goyal stated that these exclusions reflect the Government’s strategy of safeguarding food security, maintaining domestic price stability and protecting vulnerable farming communities.

With the India-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement now in effect, the Government expects the landmark pact to strengthen bilateral economic ties while expanding opportunities for trade, investment, innovation, employment and business growth across a wide range of sectors, without compromising the interests of sensitive agricultural and domestic industries.