New Delhi [India]: India and the United Kingdom on Tuesday announced the successful conclusion of a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) along with a Double Taxation Avoidance Convention, in a major step toward strengthening economic and strategic ties between the two nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the news via social media, highlighting the agreement as both ambitious and mutually beneficial. He emphasized that the FTA will bolster the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, catalyzing trade, investment, innovation, and job creation.
“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,” PM Modi posted on X.
“These landmark agreements will deepen our strategic partnership and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies.”
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) confirmed that PM Modi and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer held a telephone conversation to mark the occasion.
“The leaders welcomed the successful conclusion of the FTA and taxation convention, describing it as a historic milestone in the bilateral relationship,” the PMO said.
Both leaders underscored that these agreements would open new opportunities for businesses, enhance economic linkages, and further deepen people-to-people ties.
Prime Minister Starmer echoed this sentiment, noting that reducing trade barriers and strengthening global alliances is part of the UK’s broader Plan for Change aimed at building a stronger and more secure economy.
The comprehensive FTA—covering goods, services, and investment—is expected to boost bilateral trade, enhance job opportunities, and raise living standards in both countries. It also enables India and the UK to jointly innovate and develop products for global markets.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to an equitable, balanced, and forward-looking partnership, with PM Modi extending an invitation to PM Starmer to visit India soon. Both agreed to maintain close contact to further solidify bilateral ties.