UK deal to serve as testing ground for India’s Western trade ambitions

Asia - South China Morning Post · Jul 13, 2026

India’s free-trade agreement with the United Kingdom takes effect on Wednesday, delivering immediate tariff relief to businesses on both sides while giving New Delhi an early test of the concessions, compliance demands and implementation challenges it may face in future deals with other Western powers. UK exports in sectors such as luxury vehicles and spirits are expected to benefit, while Indian textiles and leather products will gain as the agreement eliminates tariffs on 99 per cent of...