India Inc hails British FTA as ‘transformational milestone’

Leading Indian business tycoons on Thursday hailed the India-UK free trade agreement as a “transformational milestone” to deepen economic engagements between the two countries.

Businesses across both countries are set to “gain tremendously” from the deal, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, said.

“Indian industry across all sectors welcomes the India-UK FTA with great optimism. This agreement establishes a modern, forward-looking partnership that will stimulate innovation, ease market access, and foster investment,” said Mittal.

The business tycoon is also Co-Chair of the India-UK CEO Forum. “Businesses in India as well as the UK stand to gain tremendously, as it lays the groundwork for scaling up bilateral cooperation across key growth sectors,” he said.

Once implemented following British parliamentary ratification, CETA is expected to enhance investor confidence, and promote joint ventures and technology transfers.

India’s rapidly growing market and manufacturing capabilities, combined with the UK’s strengths in innovation, finance, and high-end services, will further accelerate bilateral economic relations, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said.

“CII has been a longstanding advocate for a comprehensive and forward-looking India-UK Free Trade Agreement. This FTA reflects a shared commitment to inclusive growth, economic resilience, and industrial transformation,” said Chandrajit Banerjee, DG of CII.