India, UK Ink Free Trade Agreement After Years Of Talks; Modi, Starmer Hail ‘Historic Milestone’
India and the United Kingdom on Tuesday signed the long-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Double Contribution Convention, marking what both countries have described as a “historic milestone” in their bilateral relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on social media platform X, hailed the agreement, stating it would “further deepen our comprehensive strategic partnership and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies.”
“Delighted to speak with my friend PM @Keir_Starmer. In a historic milestone, India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement, along with a Double Contribution Convention. These landmark agreements will further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies. I look forward to welcoming PM Starmer to India soon,” PM Modi stated after a telephonic conversation with his British counterpart.
A readout from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that both leaders termed the FTA as a historic development that would enhance trade, investment, innovation, and employment opportunities across both economies. They expressed optimism that the deal between the “two big and open market economies” would unlock new business prospects, bolster economic connectivity, and deepen people-to-people ties.
According to the readout, Prime Minister Starmer said, “Strengthening alliances and reducing trade barriers with economies around the world” forms part of the UK’s “Plan for Change” to build a stronger and more secure economy.
UK PM Starmer remarked, “Today Britain has agreed a landmark trade deal with India. Fantastic news for British business, British workers, and British shoppers, delivering on our Plan for Change. Good to speak to Prime Minister @NarendraModi as we mark this historic moment."
The breakthrough followed two successive visits by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to the UK last week, during which he held discussions with British Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds to conclude the negotiations.
Efforts to establish a free trade agreement between the two countries date back to the tenure of former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
British High Commission Says UK-India FTA A ‘Huge Economic Win’
In a statement released by the British High Commission in India, it was noted that Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Starmer “began by celebrating the landmark UK-India Free Trade Agreement announced today – a deal which will add billions to the UK economy, boost wages and deliver on this government’s Plan for Change”. According to news agency ANI, the statement described the deal as a “huge economic win for the UK, delivering for working people and British businesses”.
The British High Commission added, “Through pragmatism and purpose, the leaders noted that this historic deal is the biggest the UK has done since leaving the EU, and the most ambitious India has ever done.” Prime Minister Modi also thanked PM Starmer for his “decisive leadership in getting the deal over the line”.
Addressing the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the British High Commission said, “The Prime Minister (Starmer) reiterated his deep condolences at the tragic and senseless loss of life.”
Concluding their conversation, PM Modi extended an invitation to Keir Starmer to visit India, which the latter “was pleased to accept” and said he looked forward to visiting India at the earliest opportunity the British High Commission stated.
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