“Economic growth and trade agreements go hand in hand, especially in times of global turbulence characterised by wars, conflicts and indeed tariff negotiations and various challenges”.
That was my key message on 26 September 2025, during my presentation as a panel member at the Hindu Economic Forum (HEF), UK’s networking and business engagement event organised to celebrate the first anniversary of its Buckingham and Berkshire Chapter.
HEF, whose focus is economic empowerment, currently operates in 13 countries with over 40 chapters, including five thriving in the UK: London, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, Glasgow, South London, and Edinburgh.
The event held at Harrow District Masonic Council, attracted a distinguished audience of over 100 professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and changemakers eager to explore how this landmark deal can be harnessed for real economic growth.
The FTA
Origins and purpose
The FTA is a 30 Chapter document and subject to ratification by both Parliaments and legal processes and expected to deliver from early 2026 onwards, is based on the 2030 Roadmap between the UK and India signed in 2021, which set out the foundations or pillars of a comprehensive strategic partnership. These are enhanced trade, investment, defence cooperation and mobility of people.
Key highlights
- Boost trade by an additional £25.5bn a year by 2040 (£42bn last year), with all UK regions are projected to benefit from the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
- Significantly reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers on a wide range of goods – UK has committed to phasing out import duties on nearly 99% of Indian exports—including textiles, footwear, marine products, and jewellery sectors. India will also lower its historically steep tariffs on Scotch whisky, high-end automobiles, and medical equipment.
- Expand market access in services through provisions of cooperation and mutual recognition of qualifications.
- Introduce a landmark Social Security Agreement, under which Indian professionals working temporarily in the UK will be exempt from double social security contributions.
- Include forward-looking chapters on digital trade, intellectual property, sustainable development, and investment facilitation, to ensure that the overall framework remains adaptable to future economic transitions.
Benefits
For businesses
- Gains for services and manufacturing industries
- Consumers will see lower prices on Indian goods including food, clothing, and footwear
- Increased export opportunities and investment across many sectors such as services, automotive, clean energy and environment, digital & technology, creative Industries
- Specific regions and businesses, like Wales-based Concrete Canvas and the West Midlands, are also identified as potential beneficiaries, with job creation and growth anticipated across the country
- Job creation as a result of the expected boost in trade
- Increased GDP and Wages – the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) estimates the FTA will increase UK GDP by £4.8 billion annually and boost UK wages by £2.2 billion, benefiting communities across the country
For Consumers
- Greater choice
- Consumer protection
Insights From The HEF Panel
As an Advisor to HEF, it was pleasing for us to help organise the panel interaction and be an active player on the panel itself.
Fellow panellists included Siddharth Mukne, Mitul Ruparelia, Sachin Nandha. The panel was moderated by HEF UK Vice President, Subhash Thakrar, OBE, and Dr Gautam Sen provided an interesting geo-political theme to the FTA.
The panel’s collective insights on the UK–India FTA went far beyond policy. They offered clear, practical perspectives on how businesses can seize new opportunities, overcome challenges, and benefit from this landmark agreement. Each speaker’s contribution added a unique dimension — from trade facilitation and finance to entrepreneurship and international relations.
The feedback from members and attendees has been resounding: the session was not only informative but also highly practical, inspiring, and action oriented. It offered clarity on how businesses can adapt to the evolving trade landscape, while instilling confidence in the prosperity this agreement can unlock.
In short, the audience feedback hailed the session as “enlightening, inspiring, and immediately actionable.”
Find Out More About The FTA And International Trade Opportunities
For further information on the FTA and how to benefit from the opportunities that the various states in India and its T1, T2 and T3 cities have to offer, email ash@ashverma.com
