India-UK Free Trade Agreement Marks Historic Moment, Says NSE CEO Ashish Chauhan
London | July 27, 2025 —
In a landmark moment for India’s global trade strategy, Ashish Kumar Chauhan, the Managing Director and CEO of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), expressed deep honour in witnessing the signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on July 24. The agreement was signed in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Keir Starmer at Chequers, the official country residence of the British Prime Minister.
Taking to social media platform X, Chauhan wrote:
“Honoured and privileged to be a witness to the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between India and the UK on July 24, 2025, with Hon’ble PM India and Hon’ble PM UK at the country residence of UK PM Chequers outside London, UK.”
The moment is being widely hailed as a significant breakthrough in India’s bilateral trade diplomacy and is expected to unlock new opportunities for Indian industries, especially in the financial, technology, and manufacturing sectors.
“Beginning of a New Era of Trade”
Speaking to the media in London, Chauhan emphasized that the FTA signifies not only the culmination of years of dialogue but also the beginning of a new era in India’s economic diplomacy.
“When talks first began four to five years ago, the UK was under a Conservative government. Since then, there have been regime changes, but the bipartisan support for this agreement — from both the Conservative and the Labour parties — is commendable,” he said.
Chauhan pointed out that the agreement is a reflection of India’s enhanced global stature and the consistency of its economic policy under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. “This FTA is an outcome of India’s credibility and growing economic strength. It also paves the way for more such agreements with nations like the US, the EU, and Japan,” he added.
A Platform for Broader Global Agreements
Trade analysts agree that the India-UK FTA is a strategic move that could set the tone for a range of global partnerships. India is already in advanced discussions with the European Union, aiming to finalise a free trade agreement by the end of 2025. Talks with the US and ASEAN countries have also gained momentum in recent months.
Experts believe that the India-UK FTA could serve as a model framework for similar agreements due to its comprehensive approach to tariffs, digital trade, intellectual property rights, and labour mobility.
Enhancing India’s Global Trade Standing
“The world has seen the tremendous progress India has achieved in the last 11 years under PM Modi,” said Chauhan. “The FTA with the UK is not just a diplomatic or economic event — it’s a declaration that India is ready to lead the global economy.”
The deal is expected to reduce or eliminate tariffs on a wide range of goods and services, improving market access for Indian exporters and opening the door to UK-based investments in Indian sectors like finance, pharmaceuticals, education, and green technology.
With the UK being India’s sixth-largest investor and a major trading partner, this agreement is anticipated to generate jobs, support small businesses, and stimulate innovation in both countries.
Final Thoughts by TheTrendingPeople
The signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement marks not only a diplomatic milestone but also a strategic turning point in India’s pursuit of economic expansion and global integration. As witnessed by industry leaders like NSE CEO Ashish Kumar Chauhan, the FTA underscores India’s growing influence in international trade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. With similar deals on the horizon, this could be the first of many partnerships that redefine India’s role in shaping the future of the global economy.