Major Trade Mission to India Unveils New Opportunities
Ministers, Mayors, and over 100 businesses have embarked on one of the largest regional trade missions to India, aiming to unlock significant investment and create numerous jobs in the UK. The initiative, valued at £1 billion, sees representatives travelling to key cities like Delhi and Mumbai, showcasing the strengths of Northern businesses while fostering connections with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
The recent establishment of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which came into effect in July 2025, has revitalised trade ties between the two nations. This agreement has opened doors for UK businesses, with communities across the UK poised to benefit from more than £1 billion in new contracts, ultimately supporting job creation and economic growth.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds highlighted the significance of this mission, stating, “Our trade deal with India opened the door, and now regional businesses are walking through it with our northern Mayors leading the way in building partnerships to drive jobs, investment and growth back home.” The mission aims to deepen relationships with India, ensuring that opportunities are available to every region in the UK.
Significant Investments and Job Growth
The mission has already yielded promising results, with deals worth nearly £12 billion secured since the FTA’s signing. In the year leading up to March 2026, total trade between the UK and India reached £48 billion, marking a £3 billion increase from the previous year. This surge in trade reflects the growing economic partnership between the two countries.
Among the notable investments, tech giant Meta for Data Technologies has announced plans to invest £50 million in the UK, which will create 500 skilled jobs in London and Manchester. This investment focuses on establishing new artificial intelligence and data research centres, as well as a quantum computing lab in Greater Manchester.
Another major development comes from Menzies Aviation, which expects to generate over £600 million in revenue through a 15-year Ground Handling Licence at India’s largest domestic cargo facility in Bengaluru. This expansion is set to create more than 1,000 jobs as the company enhances its services across the region.
Expanding Trade in Food and Drink
The mission also highlights the potential for UK food and drink businesses to tap into the Indian market. With support from the Secretaries of State for Defra and Scotland, representatives from various agricultural sectors are keen to showcase British produce, taking advantage of the opportunities presented by the FTA. Key changes include a reduction in whisky tariffs from 150% to 75%, while salmon can now enter India tariff-free.
Angela Eagle, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, emphasised the government’s commitment to turning the trade deal’s promises into tangible benefits for British farmers and food producers. She stated, “We’re in India alongside food and drink exporters helping them showcase the best of British produce, build new trading relationships, and unlock the export opportunities for communities across the UK.”
Innovative Collaborations and Education Initiatives
In addition to trade discussions, Oxford Nanopore is set to establish a Centre for Excellence in Hyderabad, marking a significant step in scientific collaboration between the UK and India. This initiative aims to enhance research capabilities in biotechnology, underlining the importance of partnerships in the life sciences sector.
Furthermore, the University of Liverpool has officially opened its Bengaluru campus, which is anticipated to attract 10,000 students over the next decade. This initiative aims to provide Indian students with access to world-class UK degrees, fostering educational ties between the two nations.
During the mission, the Business Secretary is also scheduled to meet with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to co-chair the latest UK-India Joint Economic and Trade Committee, alongside discussions on science and innovation collaboration.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
As the trade mission progresses, the Business Secretary will engage with various stakeholders, including the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, to foster closer economic cooperation between regions. This includes participation in a major trade marketplace, where British and Indian businesses can explore new deals and investment opportunities.
This mission follows the recent enforcement of the UK-India FTA, which is expected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually in the long term. Such developments not only signify the strengthening of economic ties but also highlight the UK’s commitment to leveraging international partnerships for mutual growth.