New Delhi, 6 May (HS): India and the UK have agreed on a free trade agreement (FTA) on Tuesday. Both countries have announced a comprehensive trade agreement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke on the phone on Tuesday. The two leaders welcomed the Double Contribution Convention as well as the India-UK free trade agreement.

Prime Minister Modi posted on X, “I am very pleased to speak with my friend Prime Minister Keir Starmer. As a historic achievement, India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial free trade agreement along with a double contribution conference. These historic agreements will deepen our comprehensive strategic partnership and promote trade, investment, development, job creation, and innovation in both our economies. I am looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Starmer to India soon.”

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) issued a statement saying that both leaders described it as a historic milestone in the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, which will promote trade, investment, innovation, and job creation in both economies. They agreed that this historic agreement between two of the world's largest and open market economies would open new opportunities for businesses, strengthen economic ties, and deepen relationships between peoplde.

Prime Minister Starmer said that strengthening alliances with economies around the world and reducing trade barriers are part of their transformation plan for providing a stronger and more secure economy.

According to the PMO's statement, both leaders agreed that the expansion of economic and commercial relations between India and the UK is the cornerstone of their increasingly strong and multidimensional partnership. A balanced, fair, and ambitious FTA, including trade in goods and services, is expected to significantly increase bilateral trade, create new job opportunities, improve living standards, and enhance the overall well-being of citizens in both countries. This will also open new possibilities for jointly developing products and services for global markets for both nations. The agreement strengthens the foundation of the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership and paves the way for a new era of cooperation and prosperity.

Prime Minister Modi invited UK Prime Minister Starmer to visit India. Both leaders agreed to stay in touch.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar