Handicrafts Man of India Dr Rakesh Kumar welcomes India–UK Free Trade Agreement

New Delhi, May 6, 2025 — In a landmark move poised to boost bilateral trade, job creation, and strategic ties, India and the United Kingdom have officially signed a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) following months of high-level negotiations. The agreement is hailed as one of the most ambitious and inclusive trade pacts India has ever entered.

The deal eliminates duties on nearly 99% of Indian exports to the UK, unlocking massive opportunities for sectors like textiles, gems and jewellery, leather, footwear, sports goods, engineering goods, and organic chemicals. It also provides expansive access for India’s services sector, including IT, financial services, professional consulting, and education.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announcing the agreement via social media, called it a “historic milestone” that would deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed similar sentiments, reinforcing the pact’s importance for both countries’ economic futures.

Welcoming the development, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chief Mentor in his role as Director General of EPCH and Chairman – India Expo Mart , stated: “I welcome the India–UK Free Trade Agreement, which marks a transformative milestone for India’s export sector—particularly in labour-intensive and creative industries like handicrafts. This agreement will open unprecedented access to UK markets, empower our artisans, and significantly strengthen India’s position as a reliable and value-driven global trade partner. It brings immense potential for export growth, job creation, and economic upliftment—especially at a time when EPCH has set an ambitious goal of tripling handicraft exports by 2030”

The FTA is expected to double the current India–UK trade volume of USD 60 billion by 2030 and includes comprehensive provisions on tariff concessions, services mobility, digital trade, and non-tariff barriers—making it a model for future trade negotiations.

With this forward-looking agreement, both nations reaffirm their commitment to democratic values, innovation, and sustainable economic growth on the global stage.