Karnataka poised to benefit from India-UK FTA in IT & digital services, say UK trade officials

Karnataka is well-positioned to capitalise on India's high-value exports to the UK, thanks to its strong innovation ecosystem and leadership in IT, aerospace, and biotech, British Trade Commissioner for South Asia Harjinder Kang said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the Bangalore Chamber of Industry & Commerce (BCIC), Kang said the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to unlock opportunities in IT and digital services, advanced manufacturing, textiles, education, and renewable energy in the southern state.

The FTA will provide Indian exporters with sharper price competitiveness, faster customs clearance, and greater market certainty in the UK, while importers will benefit from cost efficiencies and access to high-quality inputs and cutting-edge innovations from the UK, he added.


Chandru Iyer, British Deputy Trade Commissioner (Investment), South Asia, highlighted the success of Indian-owned companies in the UK, which are creating jobs in high-growth sectors like aerospace, technology, and advanced manufacturing.

BCIC president Prashant Gokhale and chairman of the international business expert committee K Ravi welcomed the FTA, saying it will usher in a new era of cooperation and mutual growth between India and the UK, with the potential to double bilateral trade by 2030.