STORY
The UK-India free trade agreement is expected to come into force on 15 July after the two Governments agreed to proceed following discussions between Keir Starmer and Narendra Modi at the G7 summit. The agreement had faced uncertainty because of Indian concerns about the UK’s forthcoming steel tariff regime.
Reuters reported that India said its concerns had been addressed constructively, allowing implementation to move forward. The agreement is expected by the UK Government to increase long-term bilateral trade and includes tariff reductions covering products including whisky, cars, clothing, footwear and some food goods.
The deal has been presented by ministers as one of the UK’s most significant post-Brexit trade agreements. It links two of the world’s largest economies, but its implementation also comes as the Government is seeking to balance trade policy with support for domestic steel production.