New Delhi/ London : The UK–India Trade Roadshow, held last month across six cities in the United Kingdom, brought together hundreds of businesses to explore the significant opportunities created under the UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The agreement is set to come into force from 15 July 2026.
Signed on 24 July 2025, the UK–India FTA marks a major milestone in bilateral economic relations, opening new avenues for trade, investment, and business cooperation between the two countries.
According to projections, the agreement is expected to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually in the long term, while also contributing an estimated £5.1 billion to India’s GDP and £4.8 billion to the UK’s GDP. The deal is designed to strengthen supply chains, support employment generation, and create expanded opportunities for businesses on both sides.
As part of the agreement, the United Kingdom has also agreed to extend benefits under the Double Contributions Convention (DCC) for UK nationals moving to India for work. The entitlement to continue building UK State Pension benefits has been extended from 36 months to 60 months.
Once implemented, the FTA will provide businesses in both countries with improved market access, reduced tariffs, simplified customs procedures, and stronger support for digital trade. The agreement is expected to particularly benefit small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by making cross-border trade more predictable and efficient.
The entry into force of the agreement on 15 July 2026 is being seen as a transformative step in strengthening the long-term India–UK economic partnership.
