UK-India Free Trade Agreement to boost bilateral trade

The UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which entered into force on 15 July 2026, is expected to increase bilateral commerce by approximately £25 billion by 2040. This includes an estimated £15 billion in British exports and £10 billion in Indian exports.

For India, the agreement offers specific benefits such as an arrangement on double social security contributions that could save Indian professionals posted to Britain roughly $450 million annually. Sectors including textiles, clothing, leather, gems, jewellery, and marine products are also set to benefit from lower tariffs.

To utilize the agreement, UK exporters must navigate new regulatory requirements. The Department for Business and Trade is facilitating guidance on registering with HMRC via a dedicated portal. This registration is essential for issuing origin declarations; without it, Indian importers will be unable to claim the preferential tariff rates provided by the FTA, even if the goods meet all rules of origin requirements.