India-UK Relations Set for Major Boost as Landmark FTA Paves Way for Growth: Vikram Doraiswami
London, Aug 15 – In a strong endorsement of the evolving India-UK relationship, India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, has said the two countries “need each other” in the current volatile global environment. Speaking in London, he hailed the recently signed Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement – described as the “most forward-looking Free Trade Agreement” India has negotiated – as a turning point in bilateral ties.
‘Win-Win Solutions’ for a Volatile World
“I see huge prospects. I think the UK and India need each other in a particularly volatile world,” Doraiswami told IANS. “It is very relevant that we have concluded, after a lot of effort, a comprehensive economic trade agreement, which is going to have a significant impact on both countries in driving growth forward. Partnerships are also about finding win-win solutions, and the India-UK partnership is exactly that.”
Details of the Landmark FTA
Signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK in July, the India-UK Free Trade Agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade by an estimated USD 34 billion annually. Doraiswami said the agreement is not just about lowering tariffs but also about deepening cooperation in critical sectors such as:
- Technology partnerships
- Higher education access
- Defence manufacturing
“This is our most ambitious and forward-looking Free Trade Agreement,” he said. “It will contribute significantly to India’s economic growth and potential, including not just through trade, but also by stepping up prospects for partnerships around technology, education, etc.”
Education Links Strengthened
Highlighting one of the early outcomes of the new partnership, Doraiswami pointed to the opening of Southampton University’s campus in India – the first foreign university to set up operations in the country.
“Our young people will now have access to world-standard education without having to travel abroad,” he noted. “These are the kinds of opportunities that show the real value of the India-UK partnership.”
Opportunities in Technology and Defence
Beyond education, Doraiswami emphasised opportunities in cutting-edge technology collaboration and defence sector indigenisation. The FTA is expected to accelerate joint research, innovation, and manufacturing projects, particularly in high-tech fields.
“We have new opportunities to partner with countries like the UK in cutting-edge areas of technology. Exciting days are ahead – all it takes is for us to make the extra effort,” he said.
Link to PM Modi’s Independence Day Address
Doraiswami’s remarks came just hours after PM Modi delivered his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort in New Delhi. The 1 hour 43 minutes speech – the longest ever Independence Day address – outlined key reforms and initiatives, including:
- Upcoming GST reform by Diwali
- Defence manufacturing push with a focus on jet engine indigenisation
- Measures to boost youth opportunities and self-reliance in the economy
“On this 79th Independence Day, the Prime Minister spoke about the opportunity for India to strengthen economic development, enhance self-reliance, and prepare for the centenary of our independence in 2047,” Doraiswami said.
Strategic Significance of the India-UK Partnership
Analysts note that the FTA is as much a strategic alignment as it is an economic one. With global supply chains under stress and geopolitical uncertainties rising, the deal offers both countries a reliable trade and investment corridor.
For India, it also means greater access to the UK’s technology, capital markets, and advanced manufacturing expertise. For the UK, it opens doors to one of the world’s fastest-growing large economies and its expanding consumer market.
Final Thoughts – TheTrendingPeople.com’s View
The India-UK FTA is more than a trade deal – it is a strategic growth pact. By deepening ties in technology, education, and defence alongside traditional trade flows, both nations are positioning themselves to thrive in an unpredictable world.
As Doraiswami suggests, the partnership’s future now depends on sustained effort and execution. If delivered well, it could serve as a model for how emerging and developed economies can create truly “win-win” global partnerships.