'Not transformative': Chatham House pans UK-India free trade deal; urges broader Indo-Pacific focus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the UK on July 23–24 is set to mark a turning point in India-UK relations, with the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) expected to be finalized. This will be PM Modi’s fourth UK visit, but perhaps the most crucial, as it aims to boost bilateral trade, defense cooperation, climate action, and investment between the two nations.

PM Modi will meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for a high-level bilateral meeting in London, where the FTA will top the agenda. He is also scheduled to meet King Charles III.

Negotiations on the FTA had been ongoing for over three years, and its finalization is expected to ease trade tariffs, promote smoother business operations, and benefit industries such as telecom, defense technology, strategic minerals, and education. India currently has FTAs with countries like Japan, South Korea, Australia, UAE, and ASEAN members.