Cultivating a New Golden Age: Reinforcing UK-India Relations through the "Living Bridge"
The India Business Group (IBG), an organisation established in 2014 by Amarjit Singh with the goal of fostering the special relationship between India and the UK, has announced that the highly anticipated UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to come into force next summer.
The FTA, described as comprehensive, covers a vast range of opportunities spanning trade in goods and services across both jurisdictions. This significant development is set to address the hurdles UK Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) have faced in engaging with the Indian market.
The IBG, which primarily involves over 100 senior advisors, researchers, and consultants based across India, has been instrumental in providing advisory support, facilitating trade roadshows, business conferences, and roundtables. Their efforts have been instrumental in bridging the gap between the two economies.
The establishment of the IBG was a direct response to the palpable interest from UK SMEs, particularly those in Hampshire, in engaging with the Indian market. This interest has been further validated by the exponential growth of India's Global Capability Centres (GCCs), driven by India's tech-savvy workforce and demographic dividend.
Notable examples of this trend can be seen in the shift of portions of Apple's design and manufacturing operations into India. This move underscores India's transformation from just a back-office hub to a destination for design and innovation.
One of the key benefits of the FTA for UK businesses is the reduction in tariffs. Upon implementation, whisky and gin tariffs are set to be halved from 150% to 75%, and further reduced to 40% by year 10. This reduction is significant for UK distilleries aiming to tap into India's vast consumer market of 1.5 billion people.
The India Awards, created by the IBG in 2017 to promote and strengthen ties between the UK and India, will be held on Monday, 22 September 2025, at the Houses of Parliament. The ceremony is expected to celebrate the achievements of businesses that have successfully navigated the UK-India trade landscape.
The IBG has been led since its inception in 2014 by Lord Patel of Bradford. Amarjit Singh, a commercial solicitor by background, has been a driving force behind the organisation. In 2013, he was selected as one of two UK lawyers to accompany then-Prime Minister David Cameron on a major trade mission to India.
The UK-India FTA is seen as a new chapter and a game-changer for UK-India relations. With India retaining its position as the second-largest investor in the UK, the potential for mutual growth and development is immense. The IBG continues to play a crucial role in facilitating this growth and strengthening the UK-India relationship.
