1 / 10The Big Breakthrough: India and the UK have signed a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) after 14 rounds of negotiations over three years. The pact eliminates duties on nearly all trade lines, covering over 99% of the value of Indian exports. It aims to take bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030 and marks a major step forward in India’s post-Brexit engagement with the UK.
2 / 10What’s in it for India?: The FTA will give Indian exports tariff-free access to one of the world’s most premium markets. Labour- and technology-intensive sectors stand to benefit the most. The agreement also includes provisions on mobility for professionals, regulatory alignment, and exemption from UK social security contributions for short-term Indian workers. (Image: Shutterstock)
3 / 10Which sectors will benefit the most? Textiles, auto parts, IT services, pharmaceuticals, gems & jewellery, leather, and engineering goods are among the key sectors set to gain from tariff cuts and improved UK market access.
4 / 10 Information Technology & Professional Services: T and Professional Services
Improved mobility for Indian professionals and easier access for IT firms will support sectoral growth. It is expected to benefit over 60,000 professionals annually in IT sector alone, according to a commerce ministry statement. Top gainers: TCS, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, HCL Technologies, Wipro.
5 / 10Textiles and Garments: With tariffs eliminated on Indian textiles, competitiveness in the UK market is set to improve for several firms. Top gainers: Vardhman Textiles, KPR Mill, Welspun India, Gokaldas Exports, Raymond, Page Industries (innerwear).
6 / 10Gems and Jewellery: The FTA provides easier access to the high-value UK market for Indian diamond and gold jewellery exporters. Top gainers: Titan Company (Tanishq), Vaibhav Global, Rajesh Exports, Kalyan Jewellers.
7 / 10Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare: The agreement is expected to ease regulatory approvals for generic drugs, boosting Indian pharma exports. Top gainers: Dr. Reddy’s Labs, Cipla, Lupin, Aurobindo Pharma, Sun Pharma.
8 / 10Agri and Processed Foods: Tariff concessions for Indian tea, spices, and ready-to-eat products will improve market access. Top gainers: Tata Consumer Products (Tata Tea, Tetley UK), LT Foods, KRBL, Hindustan Foods, Nestle India (indirect benefit).
9 / 10Auto and Auto Components: Tariff relief on auto parts will enable Indian players to integrate more deeply with UK supply chains. Top gainers: Bharat Forge, Motherson Sumi Wiring, Bosch India, Endurance Technologies, Sundram Fasteners.
10 / 10Industrial and Engineering Goods: Indian suppliers may see increased demand from UK infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. Top gainers: L&T, Cummins India, Thermax, Greaves Cotton, ABB India.
