UK relaunches free trade talks with India

Britain restarted stalled negotiations with India on Monday to secure a free trade agreement, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government looks to boost economic growth and navigate shifting global trade dynamics.

UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds met Indian counterpart Piyush Goyal in New Delhi for two days of talks, with London calling the deal a "huge economic prize."

Starmer has prioritized the agreement since taking office in July, reviving efforts that faltered under previous Conservative administrations.

"Securing a trade deal with what is soon-to-be the third biggest economy in the world is a no-brainer," Reynolds said before departing for India.

The UK and India currently share a £41 billion ($52 billion) trade relationship, with investments supporting over 600,000 jobs across both nations. India has previously sought more UK work and study visas in exchange for reducing tariffs on British exports like whisky.

The fresh talks come as global trade tensions rise following new US tariffs under President Donald Trump. Britain, which has struck trade agreements with Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore since leaving the EU, continues to seek a deal with the United States, though negotiations have stalled.

London hopes an agreement with India will unlock opportunities in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and financial services, bolstering Britain’s post-Brexit trade strategy.