The landmark deal, signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the UK, grants zero-duty access on 99% of Indian exports and aims to double India–UK trade to over $110 billion by 2030. It is seen as a strategic step forward in India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing and knowledge hub.
R Dinesh, Chairman, TVS Supply Chain Solutions, lauded the agreement. He said it would usher in “a new era of economic cooperation between two vibrant economies.” TVS Supply Chain Solutions has a strong presence in both India and the UK. The FTA would streamline trade flows, reduce operational friction and enhance the company’s ability to deliver agile and cost-effective solutions to global customers., he added
Defining moment
Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, said that the agreement came at a pivotal moment as the company prepared to launch a new line of Norton Motorcycles in the UK. “This is a defining moment for Indian manufacturing,” he noted, adding that the FTA energised the company’s global ambitions and strengthened the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) described the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) as a landmark development that would improve market access—especially in areas like electric mobility, precision engineering and lightweight materials. ACMA President Shradha Suri Marwah said that the pact would benefit MSMEs, foster R&D and spur innovation in green and digital technologies.
FICCI called the FTA a key milestone in India’s evolving trade framework. President Harsha Vardhan Agarwal said that the agreement aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, empowering Indian industry to scale globally and integrate into global value chains.
FICCI’s Senior Vice-President Anant Goenka highlighted the agreement’s role in providing enhanced market access and long-term certainty to exporters. Director-General Jyoti Vij noted its potential to drive both trade and investment. Harish Ahuja, Chairman of FICCI’s Foreign Trade Committee, underscored its significance for labour-intensive sectors like textiles and apparel.
A game-changer
ASSOCHAM President Sanjay Nayar called the FTA a “game-changer” that would unlock export potential and spur innovation across textiles, leather and services. Manish Singhal, Secretary-General, said the agreement affirmed India’s expanding global role in both traditional and emerging sectors. He also praised the deal for promoting cultural and wellness sectors like Ayurveda, Yoga and Indian music, blending trade with diplomacy.
