The UK-India trade agreement could generate an additional £25 billion (approximately ₹3.26 lakh crore) in annual trade over the long term, according to UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. The agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral business ties and create new opportunities across key industries.

Reynolds visited India with a major British business delegation comprising three Cabinet ministers, seven mayors and around 200 businesses. The delegation explored investment and commercial opportunities in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, sports and culture.

During the visit, Reynolds met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Both sides signed the UK-Maharashtra Growth Partnership to translate the trade agreement into practical business opportunities at the state level.

The agreement is expected to benefit Indian exporters in sectors such as agriculture, jewellery and leather goods through tariff reductions. It also aims to make it easier for businesses and professionals to operate across the two countries.

Another key provision concerns social security contributions. It is designed to reduce the burden of dual contributions for Indian and British nationals working temporarily in each other's countries, supporting smoother business mobility.

Reynolds also highlighted opportunities in automotive manufacturing, infrastructure and financial technology. He described Maharashtra as a starting point for building stronger regional partnerships and suggested that the model could be extended to other Indian states.

As tariffs are progressively reduced, the agreement could create wider opportunities for businesses in both countries. It also signals a stronger commitment to investment, trade expansion and long-term economic cooperation between India and the UK.