- Scottish politician Dhruv Kumar hailed the UK-India FTA as a “foundation of shared prosperity.”
- The deal, signed by PM Modi and Sir Keir Starmer, is the UK’s largest post-Brexit and offers India significant concessions.
- It promises substantial economic growth, boosting trade, wages, and providing key benefits for Scottish industries.
GG News Bureau
Glasgow, Scotland (UK), 27th July: Scottish politician Dhruv Kumar, Deputy Convener for Alba Party in Glasgow, today, July 27, 2025, lauded the signing of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as the “foundation of shared prosperity,” emphasizing Scotland’s strategic role within this new partnership. The agreement, finalized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sir Keir Starmer, marks the United Kingdom’s largest trade pact post-Brexit and represents the most significant concessions granted by India to any nation.
Economic Revolution for Both Nations
Under the new FTA, the UK’s annual GDP is projected to increase by £4.8 billion, with a corresponding rise of £2.2 billion in wages. Bilateral trade is expected to surge by £25.5 billion, providing the UK with simplified access to India’s 1.4 billion consumers. This agreement is set to accelerate the existing $55 billion trade, where the UK stands as India’s leading investor, with a current investment of $36 billion.
Professor Dhruv Kumar stated, “This agreement opens doors to innovation and employment from the Himalayas to the Highlands. Scotland’s success will strengthen the entire UK-India corridor.”
Clear Benefits for Scotland
Key Scottish industries are poised to benefit significantly:
- Whisky & Marine Products: Duty on Scotch Whisky will be reduced from 150% to 75%, and the 33% duty on salmon will be eliminated, opening up vast market opportunities. Tavish Scott, CEO of Salmon Scotland, remarked, “Scottish salmon will now enter India’s 12 million-ton annual fish market.”
- Green Energy & Technology: Scottish companies will gain access to India’s £38 billion public contracts, fostering increased cooperation in wind energy and carbon-free technology.
- Education & Innovation: The agreement is expected to create new opportunities for the 55,000 Indian students currently studying in the UK, particularly in high-growth sectors such as Fintech and AI.
Mutual Tariff Concessions
The FTA includes significant tariff concessions benefiting both sides. UK exports, including machinery, medical equipment, and textiles, will see a 90% duty waiver in India. Conversely, Indian exports such as textiles, engineering goods, and footwear will receive 99% duty-free access in the UK.
Beyond tariffs, the agreement features provisions for exemption from double taxation for temporary workers, social security facilities, a commitment to green growth focusing on pollution control and marine ecological protection, and cooperation for MSMEs, including customs and digital trade support for small businesses.
Dhruv Kumar concluded by stating, “Scotland is ready to be India’s partner on its path to becoming the world’s third largest economy by 2028. Today we have added a new chapter to 300 years of shared history.”
