Tea with Trade-offs: Modi’s UK Visit Delivers Cheaper Imports and Career Boosts

Image Source : MSN

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the United Kingdom from July 23 to 26 is more than ceremonial—it’s the final handshake on a historic India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that promises to reshape economic ties, job markets, and consumer access across both nations.

Key Highlights from the Agreement:

Tariff cuts on 90% of UK imports to India, including luxury cars, Scotch whisky, and medical devices.
Indian exports—textiles, leather, gems, processed foods—gain 99% tariff-free access to UK markets.
Bilateral trade projected to double to USD 120 billion by 2030.
Social security relief for Indian professionals working in the UK for up to three years.
Indian MSMEs and toy manufacturers to benefit from expanded UK retail access.
UK to issue additional work visas for Indian talent in IT, healthcare, and education.
Strategic protection for sensitive Indian agricultural products like dairy and apples.
Reduction in automobile import duties from 100% to 10% under a quota system.
Scotch whisky tariffs to drop from 150% to 75%, then to 40% over ten years.
Enhanced copyright protections and digital trade rules to boost India’s tech sector.
UK companies gain access to Indian public procurement contracts.
Indian seafood, chemicals, and apparel exports expected to surge.
Joint development of high-end products in aerospace and automotive sectors.
Carbon tax negotiations resolved with future consultations.
- Strengthened strategic partnership covering climate, defence, and innovation.