Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has signed a free trade deal with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in a multi-billion pound export boost.
UK cars and whisky will be cheaper to export to India and Indian textiles and jewellery cheaper to export to the UK under the agreement.
The deal took three years to reach and also commits to a new India-UK plan to tackle illegal migration.
Opponents had warned the deal could undercut British workers due to extended social security terms, but UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said this was “completely wrong” and Indian workers on temporary secondment to the UK would get the same deal already offered to many other countries.
Speaking at the signing at the UK prime minister’s country residence Chequers, Sir Keir said: “This deal is now signed, sealed, delivered.
“I’m really pleased and privileged to welcome you here today on what I consider to be a historic day for both of our countries, and the delivery of the commitment that we made to each other.”
He claimed the deal would create more than 2,200 British jobs across the country as Indian firms expand their operations in the UK and British companies secure new business opportunities in India.
“Our landmark trade deal with India is a major win for Britain,” he said, with new jobs expected to benefit engineers, technicians and supply chain workers in the aerospace, technology and advanced manufacturing sectors.
He added: “We’re putting more money in the pockets of hardworking Brits and helping families with the cost of living, and we’re determined to go further and faster to grow the economy and raise living standards across the UK.”
