UK ministers head to India in search of trade deal they hope will boost economy
GuardianFEB 24
UK, India Resume Trade Talks
Above: UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi as he attends the G20 summit at the Museum of Modern Art on Nov. 18, 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Image copyright: Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty Images
The Facts
The UK and India have officially resumed negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement, with UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds meeting Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi.
The bilateral trade relationship between the UK and India currently stands at £40.9B in the four quarters to Q3 2024, representing an 8.6% increase from the previous year, with India being the UK's 11th largest trading partner.
The trade negotiations follow discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in November 2024. India is projected to become the world's third-largest economy by 2028, with the highest growth rate in the G20 for the next five years.
The Spin
Left narrative
The UK-India trade deal jeopardizes the UK’s commitment to human rights and sustainability, especially amid India's ongoing violations, such as the unjust detention of British national Jagtar Singh Johal. Pushing ahead with this deal is irresponsible. Instead, the UK must swallow its pride, rebuild trade ties with the EU, and focus on relationships that uphold human rights and climate goals — ensuring long-term economic and ethical benefits for both sides.
Right narrative
A UK-India trade agreement presents a vital opportunity to strengthen economic ties between two major global players. As India is set to become the world's third-largest economy, a deal could open lucrative markets for UK businesses, particularly in tech and life sciences. It would also enhance cooperation in key sectors like manufacturing and services — boosting jobs and growth in both countries while reinforcing the UK’s post-Brexit global trade strategy.