BRITAIN has struck a bumper trade deal with India – unlocking billions for the economy and boosting UK staples from whisky to Land Rovers.
The long-awaited pact will slash punishing Indian tariffs on British goods including Scotch, chocolate, medical devices and UK-made cars.
GettyWhisky and gin tariffs will be halved from 150 per cent to 75 per cent before reducing to 40 per cent by year ten of the deal[/caption]
GettySir Keir Starmer at Jaguar Land Rover manufacturing site in the West Midlands[/caption]
ReutersIndia’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi[/caption]
It is the biggest free trade deal Britain has struck since leaving the EU, with officials saying it will boost UK GDP by £4.8 billion a year and add £2.2 billion to wages in the long run.
Under the deal, tariffs on whisky and gin will be cut from 150 per cent to 75 per cent — before falling to 40 per cent over the next decade.
Automotive tariffs on British-made cars like Jaguars and Land Rovers will tumble from over 100 per cent to just 10% under a new quota system.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “We are now in a new era for trade and the economy. That means going further and faster to strengthen the UK’s economy, putting more money in working people’s pockets.
“Today we have agreed a landmark deal with India – one of the fastest growing economies in the world, which will grow the economy and deliver for British people and business.”
Britain has also secured wins for smaller exporters, with tariffs eased on products such as cosmetics, aerospace parts, soft drinks, and biscuits — and Indian customs rules to be simplified for British firms.
Shoppers at home could also benefit from cheaper imports on clothes, footwear, and frozen prawns.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the deal would drive up pay across the country and create growth “from advanced manufacturing in the North East to whisky distilleries in Scotland”.
The Scotch Whisky Association called the agreement “transformational”, saying it could boost exports to India by £1billion over the next five years and create 1,200 jobs across the UK.
Premier League’s boss Richard Masters also backed the deal, calling India “a vibrant country that presents exciting opportunities and significant potential” — and highlighting the league’s plans to open a new office in Mumbai to deepen ties.
Talks between Britain and India started in 2022, with then-PM Boris Johnson promising it would be struck by Diwali that November.
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
