India-UK Trade Deal: A New Era for Farmers, MSMEs, and Startups

In a landmark move, the government has successfully shielded farmers' interests by excluding dairy products like cheese, apples, oats, and vegetable oil from the trade deal. Sensitive industrial goods, including diamonds, silver, smartphones, plastics, and TV cameras, also remain untouched.

Consumer Benefits and Export Opportunities

Indian consumers can look forward to more affordable Scotch, automobiles, lamb, salmon, chocolates, biscuits, and medical devices. Conversely, India's textiles, footwear, marine products, gems, jewellery, and auto parts industries stand to gain from zero-duty access to the UK market.

Strategic Partnership and Future Prospects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the agreement as a catalyst for trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation. The deal, comprising 26 chapters, also addresses labor, gender, and environmental concerns, setting a precedent for future trade engagements.

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal described the agreement as the most comprehensive free trade deal India has ever entered into, promising to serve as a gold standard for future negotiations.