India and UK Seal Historic Free Trade Agreement and Double Contribution Convention.
New Delhi:
In a landmark development marking a new era in bilateral relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir Keir Starmer today welcomed the successful conclusion of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Double Contribution Convention. The announcements were made following a telephone conversation between the two leaders, reaffirming their commitment to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
Describing the agreements as a “historic milestone,” both leaders underlined the profound implications of this development for trade, investment, and innovation. The India–UK FTA, a result of intensive negotiations over several rounds, is aimed at significantly enhancing economic cooperation by reducing trade barriers, fostering innovation, generating employment, and promoting mobility between the two nations.
The leaders emphasized that the agreements would not only boost economic growth but also provide new avenues for collaboration across various sectors. They expect this landmark FTA to unlock opportunities for businesses, expand markets, and raise living standards in both India and the UK. Importantly, it is also set to encourage joint development of products and services tailored for global markets, reinforcing both countries’ roles as dynamic, open economies.
The Double Contribution Convention is another key element of the strengthened economic framework. It is expected to enhance cooperation in areas such as taxation and social security contributions, offering greater ease and clarity for professionals and enterprises operating across borders.
Prime Minister Starmer noted that the agreements align with the UK’s “Plan for Change” to build a stronger, more secure economy through global partnerships. He highlighted the significance of strengthening alliances with major economies like India, which play a pivotal role in shaping the global economic order.
Prime Minister Modi, in turn, extended a warm invitation to Prime Minister Starmer to visit India, signaling continued engagement and high-level dialogue. Both leaders agreed to stay in close contact as they guide the implementation of these transformative agreements.
With this historic agreement now in place, the India–UK relationship is poised to enter a new chapter of strategic and economic cooperation—one that promises shared prosperity and deeper people-to-people ties in the years to come.
