New Delhi, Oct 12 (NVI) A UK delegation has arrived in India with a mission to maximise business benefit from the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the landmark UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The billion-pound trade mission to India is expected to see over 100 businesses from a range of sectors arrive in India alongside the UK Business Secretary, Scotland Secretary and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary, as well as seven Mayors from Northern England.
The UK is keen to enhance commecial cooperation with India, which is one of the world’s fastest growing economies and deals worth nearly £12 billion have now been announced since the signing of our landmark FTA in July 2025, supporting thousands of jobs across both countries.
Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Jonathan Reynolds said: “Our trade deal with India opened the door, and now regional businesses are walking through it with our northern Mayors leading the way in building partnerships to drive jobs, investment and growth.
“From advanced manufacturing to education, we want to continue to deepen ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies to bring opportunity for businesses and consumers in all corners of both countries.”
The UK-India trade deal has opened new opportunities right across the United Kingdom and India. Across the North of England and Scotland, the trade deal has the potential to be a gamechanger, helping to establish Northern England and Scotland as central pillars of the UK’s trade and investment offer to India.
That’s why the UK Business Secretary has travelled to India today alongside a group of seven northern England Mayors and one combined authority leader, as well as the Secretaries of State for Scotland and DEFRA (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).
Supported by the Secretaries of State for Defra and Scotland, the trip reflects the breadth of opportunity offered by the UK-India relationship with representatives on the trip including those from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), British Meat Processors Association, Fever Tree, Kendamil, the National Farmers’ Union, Salmon Scotland, the Scotch Whisky Association and Walker’s Shortbread.
Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said: “It’s great news that we have Scottish businesses joining this co-ordinated UK Government trade mission to India. Our free trade agreement was hard won and will now open up a big market for high-quality products like salmon and whisky. I am determined to make sure Scotland’s producers can turn the trade deal into real business wins, by helping them access and navigate this valuable market.
“Scotland’s success in markets like India is supported by the strength, reach and influence that come from being part of the UK. Boosting export opportunities and encouraging inward investment in Scotland means real benefits back at home in economic growth and jobs.”
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Angela Eagle said: “This government’s landmark deal with India opened the door to one of the world’s fastest-growing markets – and we are working to turn its commitments into outcomes for British farmers and food and drink companies.
“We’re in India alongside food and drink exporters helping them showcase the best of British produce, build new trading relationships, and unlock the export opportunities for communities across the UK.”
During the visit, the Business Secretary will meet Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in Delhi to co-chair the latest UK-India Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) and co-chair the UK-India Science and Innovation Council alongside Indian Minister for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh.
In Mumbai, the Business Secretary will also meet the Chief Minister of Maharashtra to launch closer regional economic cooperation, and he’ll also attend a major trade marketplace, showcasing innovative British products and services in this exciting and fast-growing market.
The visit comes three months after the UK’s landmark deal with India entered into force with the agreement worth a boost of £25.5 billion to bilateral trade every year in the long run. (NVI)
