The Modi 3.0 administration is planning to expand FTAs with nearly 8-10 countries currently in negotiations, marking a great initiative to get Indian products an advantageous position in the global market.
These agreements are expected to reduce tariffs on everyday commodities and open new doors for our exporters— benefitting all geographies involved.
Among these, the India-UK FTA, expected to be signed on July 24, stands out as a landmark. It’s not just another trade agreement; it’s the culmination of years of dialogue, persistence, and commitment by both governments and their business communities. As Founder Director of the Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI), we view this as a rare and timely opportunity—one that could reshape the agri-food and beverage trade for years to come.
The numbers speak for themselves. The agreement is projected to boost bilateral trade by $25.5 billion annually. That’s not just a figure on paper—it represents new possibilities for Indian farmers, food entrepreneurs, exporters, retailers, and yes, even the average consumer who wants better products at better prices.
The agriculture, food, and beverage sector sits right at the heart of this agreement. For India,nit opens a premium market like the UK—where there’s growing demand for ethically sourced, sustainable, and globally inspired food products. Indian spices, millets, ready-to-eat meals, and plant-based options are perfectly poised to meet that demand.
At the same time, the agreement paves the way for high-quality British products—like
salmon, spirits, gin, confectionery, and beverages—to enter the Indian market at more competitive prices. Indian consumers are increasingly seeking international flavours and higher-quality options. This FTA makes it easier to meet those evolving preferences.
But it’s not just about exports or imports—it’s about raising the bar for BRAND INDIA. We now have an opportunity to position India as a global hub for food quality, innovation, and safety. That means aligning with international norms, streamlining our regulatory processes, and ensuring that what we produce and consume reflects the best of what the world has to offer.
At FIFI, we’ve long engaged with authotiries for simpler customs procedures, science-backed import policies, and harmonized food safety standards. The FTA gives us a renewed platform to institutionalize these reforms—not just for trade’s sake, but to create a more transparent,nefficient, and modern food ecosystem in India.
Of course, this isn’t something that can be achieved by one party alone. To unlock the full potential of the FTA, we need sustained collaboration between government agencies and industry stakeholders on both sides. FIFI stands ready to work in close association with both the Indian and UK governments, along with other industry chambers and partners, to drive this shared agenda forward.
This FTA is not merely a legal arrangement—it’s a statement of intent. It signals that India is no longer just looking to participate in global food trade, but to shape it as an equal, forward-nlooking partner. We at FIFI welcome this direction and remain committed to ensuring that the benefits of this agreement are inclusive, far-reaching, and built to last.
(The author is founder director, Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI))