India-UK FTA takes effect: Govt calls it India's most ambitious trade deal, highlights key benefits

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement has officially come into force. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal described it as one of India's most ambitious and future-oriented trade agreements, extending beyond tariff reductions to cover digital trade, government procurement, innovation, labour, environment and gender. The government says the agreement expands market access while safeguarding sensitive sectors such as dairy, cereals, pulses, gold and jewellery, smartphones and critical polymers.