The Union Cabinet has reportedly given its approval to a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom, paving the way for its formal signing during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the UK, according to official sources.
The deal, which has been in negotiations for several years, is expected to boost bilateral trade, enhance market access, and strengthen economic ties between the two countries. The agreement includes provisions on goods, services, investment, digital trade, and intellectual property, sources familiar with the development said.
Government officials have described the FTA as a “historic economic partnership” that will benefit key sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, IT services, automobiles, and agriculture. Indian exporters are expected to gain duty-free or preferential access to the UK market, while British companies will enjoy reduced barriers in India.
“The Cabinet approval is a major step forward. The agreement is now ready for signing and will be a highlight of the Prime Minister’s upcoming UK visit,” a senior official told the media, requesting anonymity.
The signing is anticipated to take place in London, where PM Modi is expected to hold high-level discussions with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and engage with Indian diaspora and business leaders.
Once signed, the deal will be India’s most comprehensive trade pact with a Western nation, and is seen as a strategic milestone ahead of India’s growing role in global trade dynamics.
Further details about the exact contents of the agreement and the date of the signing are expected to be revealed in the coming days.
