From Kanpur Leather To Kashmiri Saffron: Which 'Made In India' Goods Will Head To UK Post-FTA Deal? Find Out

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK, is not only set to slash tariffs on Scotch and cars but also open a wide new market for a vibrant array of Indian products. The pact is already being hailed as a win for Indian artisans, farmers, and MSMEs, as a host of traditional and regional goods will now find smoother access into British markets.

This strategic trade pact, signed by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and his British counterpart Jonathan Reynolds, is expected to boost bilateral trade by $34 billion annually. But beyond the big numbers, the deal gives a cultural and commercial push to India’s rich tapestry of handcrafted, agricultural, and high-tech exports.

Handloom and Heritage: India's Textile Stars Shine Abroad

India’s famed textile heritage is getting a premium slot in the UK retail landscape. From Bandhani and Surat textiles in Gujarat to Baluchari and Kanchipuram sarees from West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, traditional Indian garments are on their way to new wardrobes in the UK. Tiruppur’s knitwear and Bhagalpur silk from Bihar are also among the highlights.

Gujarat’s Surat diamonds and Jaipur’s gemstone jewellery from Rajasthan bring sparkle to the export list, promising a boost for India’s gems and jewellery sector under reduced tariff regimes.

From Farm to Fork: Indian Flavours Set Sail

India’s culinary exports are getting a major upgrade, too. Basmati rice from states like Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, as well as speciality items like Kashmiri saffron, Araku coffee from Andhra Pradesh, Turmeric from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Makhana and Shahi Litchi from Bihar, and Darjeeling Tea from West Bengal are poised to reach more British kitchens.

These exports not only highlight India’s diverse agricultural produce but also reflect how the FTA will make these premium goods more competitive and accessible to international buyers.

Craftsmanship, Toys, and Tech: India’s Soft Power Gets a Trade Boost

The deal also amplifies India’s soft power. Iconic toys like Channapatna from Karnataka and Natugram and Thanjavur dolls from West Bengal and Tamil Nadu will now find export traction. Sikki grass toys from Bihar and ceramics like Morbi tiles and Khurja pottery are similarly on the list.

Leather goods such as Kolhapuri footwear, Vellore chappals, and Kanpur and Agra leather products will also become more competitive in the UK with tariff reductions. Shantiniketan leather from West Bengal adds further artisanal appeal.

On the services front, the FTA will benefit India’s booming tech sector, with companies like Infosys, TCS, Wipro, and HCL Technologies gaining easier access to the UK market. IT services from states like Maharashtra, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu are expected to see significant growth thanks to reduced entry barriers.

A Cultural and Commercial Win

As the FTA takes effect, Indian businesses, small-scale artisans, and farmers are expected to benefit from better market access, lower tariffs, and a growing demand for authentic ‘Made in India’ products.

With 26 British firms already announcing plans to expand in India, the agreement marks not just a policy shift but a cultural handshake — one where Pashmina shawls from Kashmir, rubber from Kerala and Tripura, and sports goods from Meerut and Jalandhar will travel West, narrating India’s story through every stitch, sip, and sparkle.

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