India–UK Sign Landmark Free Trade Pact

India and the UK just sealed a blockbuster Free Trade Agreement. The pact, formally called a comprehensive economic and trade agreement, is expected to come into force after legal clearances from the British Parliament, likely within a few months. Talks over a free trade deal between India and Britain were initially launched in January 2022. The deal is finalised after 14 rounds of grueling talks, one Indian general election, and four UK Prime Ministers, is expected to boost bilateral trade from 57 billion dollars in 2024 to 120 billion dollars by 2030. With 99% of Indian exports getting duty-free access, and UK luxury goods entering Indian markets at slashed tariffs, this FTA promises a massive boost to bilateral trade. But is there a hidden cost? British companies now get rare access to India’s procurement system, and alcohol tariffs are sparking industry backlash. At a time when countries are trying to navigate the turbulent effects of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff upheaval, this pact comes as a great economic boost for both countries.