India and the United Kingdom today signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at Chequers, paving the way for shared prosperity of India and UK in various sectors including trade and defence.
After the signing of the FTA, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his press statement said that today marks a historic day in India-UK bilateral relations. He expressed happiness that after many years of hard work, comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the two nations has been concluded. He noted that this agreement paves the way for shared prosperity of India and UK. He stated that Indian textiles, footwear, gems and jewellery, seafood, and engineering goods will get better marketing access in the UK. He added that processed food industry will find new opportunities in UK’s market. He said this agreement will prove especially beneficial for India’s youth, farmers, fishermen and MSME sectors.
Similarly, in his statement, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the FTA is the biggest and most economically significant trade deal that the UK has made since leaving EU. He said that this gives a message that Britain is open for international business. Thanking Prime Minister Modi for his leadership and pragmatism, Mr Starmer said that the deal will bring huge benefits to both the countries. The UK Prime Minister added that it will add about 4.8 billion pounds to the UK economy every year and 2.2 billion pounds to wages.
Our correspondent covering the visit reports that Where Prime Minister Mr. Modi termed this agreement as a blue print for the shared prosperity, his British counterpart Mr. Starmer said that he is delighted that both the countries are building on partnership by launching UK-India Vision 2035 that will take both the friendly nations towards more prosperity and ease of living.
Prime Minister Modi while referring to the ongoing test series between India and UK said that for both of us, Cricket is not just a game, but a passion. It is also a great metaphor for our partnership.
Mr. Modi’s comment that there may be a swing and a miss at times, but India always play with a straight bat and India is committed to building a high scoring solid partnership draws applause from all present there. He said the agreements concluded today and Vision 2035 are milestones to take this spirit forward.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mr Modi thanked Mr. Starmer and his government for condemning the Pehalgam terror attack. He said we are united against terrorism and reject double standards and misuse of democratic freedoms by extremists.
