By Dame Patricia Hewitt and Manoj Ladwa
As the United Kingdom and India sign a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between our two nations. Years in the making, this agreement symbolises more than just economic cooperation -it marks the beginning of a deeper, more strategic partnership rooted in shared democratic values, mutual respect, and a common vision for the future.
Our respective experiences in government, business, and civil society have shown us the immense potential that lies in UK-India collaboration. The FTA is poised to unlock opportunities across a wide range of sectors, from advanced technology and education to life sciences and clean energy. It is a testament to what can be achieved when two dynamic democracies engage in sustained, constructive dialogue.
But this moment is about more than economics. It sends a powerful message to the world. At a time when geopolitical instability, protectionism, and climate challenges dominate the global agenda, the UK and India have chosen to move forward together. This FTA signals that it is still possible for nations to unite with ambition and purpose, to build bridges, not walls, to foster prosperity, not division.
The significance of this agreement will not be measured solely in trade figures or GDP growth. Its true impact will be seen in the lives it touches: the young entrepreneur in Bengaluru who can now access UK capital and clients; the British innovator finding a new market in India’s growing cities; the investors, entrepreneurs and innovators who together will create new companies and products for a global market; the students, researchers, and creatives who will all benefit from increased exchange and cooperation.
Realising this potential, however, requires looking beyond the agreement itself. Implementation will be key. It demands ongoing commitment from both governments, transparent processes, and adaptability in a fast-changing global environment. Most importantly, it requires inclusive stakeholder engagement- businesses large and small, civil society, academic institutions, and local and regional governments – all working together to make the FTA work on the ground.
This milestone is also the result of a decade of strategic groundwork. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been instrumental in strengthening the UK–India relationship over the past ten years. His leadership has placed India firmly on the global economic map, while fostering key bilateral ties rooted in trust and long-term ambition. This FTA is in many ways a culmination of that consistent vision.
In addition, as we know from private conversations, the leadership and commitment shown by the two Trade Ministers, Jonathan Reynolds and Piyush Goyal, along with the immense efforts of Dr S. Jaishankar and Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s External and Finance Ministers respectively has also been crucial in this deal.
On the UK side, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has shown decisive leadership and commitment to international engagement. His determination to conclude the FTA reflects a clear-eyed recognition of India’s role as a central partner in the UK’s global future, and an understanding that this partnership must now move to a new, elevated level. In this respect he is building on the ground-breaking work of his predecessor and the UK’s first Prime Minister of Indian heritage, Rishi Sunak.
Looking ahead, this agreement opens the door to much more. It is an opportunity to redefine the UK–India relationship for the 21st century not just as trading partners, but as innovation allies, champions of democracy, and collaborators on global challenges. That means deepening our cultural connections, enabling joint research and development, and investing in skills and sustainability.
As co-authors of this moment in history, we call upon leaders, businesses, and citizens in both countries to approach this new chapter with energy and intent. The FTA is a foundation, not a finish line. If we build upon it with vision and responsibility, we can shape a relationship that delivers meaningful impact today and lasting prosperity tomorrow.
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Dame Patricia Hewitt is former Chair of the UK India Business Council and Secretary of State for Trade & Industry.
Manoj Ladwa is Founder and Chairman of India Global Forum and UK India Future Forum.
This article was first published in The Economic Times, 7 May 2025
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