India-UK Free Trade Agreement Paves New Path for Small Traders

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has hailed the recent signing of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a significant advancement for Indian commerce. The FTA is set to provide duty-free access to nearly 99 percent of Indian exports to the UK, opening doors for small traders, farmers, and manufacturers to enter global markets.

Key sectors anticipated to benefit include textiles, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, and handicrafts. According to CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal, this agreement marks a transformational moment for Indian traders and farmers under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, removing tariffs on over 95 percent of India's agricultural exports.

The agreement also promises to boost employment, bilateral investments, and support innovation and entrepreneurship, marking a milestone in India's foreign trade policy and fostering a values-based economic partnership with the UK.

(With inputs from agencies.)