India Goes Global: UK Sees Rising Demand for ‘Made in India’ Products
July 26, 2025
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India and the United Kingdom (UK) have taken a monumental step forward in strengthening bilateral economic ties with the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This groundbreaking
India and the United Kingdom (UK) have taken a monumental step forward in strengthening bilateral economic ties with the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This groundbreaking trade deal is not only poised to boost the revenues of large Indian manufacturing companies but is also expected to open massive doors for local businesses and traditional industries across India. One of the biggest highlights of this agreement is the expected surge in demand for Made in India Products in British markets, bringing Indian craftsmanship, agriculture, and innovation to the global spotlight.
Equal Market Access – A Win-Win Deal
With this India-UK trade deal, both nations will gain equal rights to conduct business in each other’s markets. As part of the FTA, tariff barriers will be significantly reduced or eliminated, leading to easier and cheaper trade of goods and services across borders. British products will gain wider access to Indian consumers, while Indian goods—especially Made in India products—will find a much larger and more lucrative platform in the UK.
According to official projections, the bilateral trade volume, currently estimated at $56 billion, is expected to reach $120 billion by 2030. This not only signals a steep rise in mutual investment and cooperation but also demonstrates India’s ambition to emerge as a global manufacturing hub.
Boost for Key Indian Sectors
As the tariff reductions take effect, several key Indian sectors are expected to benefit immensely. Notably, the UK market will open up to Indian exports of:
Electrical machinery and components
Leather goods
Pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals
These sectors, already strong contributors to India’s export economy, will now gain easier entry into UK supply chains. With reduced duties and smoother regulatory procedures, Made in India products from these categories will become more competitive in pricing, giving Indian exporters a much-needed edge in the European market.
Massive Export Potential for Indian Agricultural Products
Perhaps one of the most significant aspects of the FTA is the enormous opportunity for India’s agricultural and food exports. With over 99% of Indian products now facing zero export tariffs, India will be able to export its unique and diverse agricultural produce to the UK without the previous cost burdens.
From jackfruit and millets to turmeric and basmati rice, Indian farmers and food producers are looking at a $23 billion export opportunity. Several high-demand Made in India products from the agriculture sector are expected to flood British markets, including:
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Mango pulp
Indian spices (black pepper, cardamom, turmeric, cumin)
Pulses and organic grains
Ayurvedic herbs and health-focused organic products
This development is a game-changer for states like Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, and the Northeastern region, where these products are primarily cultivated. Indian farmers and small-scale agro-industries now have the opportunity to tap into a premium international customer base without dealing with tariffs that earlier made exports expensive and complicated.
From Kolhapuri Chappals to Goan Feni – Indian Tradition Goes Global
Another exciting development is the inclusion of traditional and artisanal Indian goods in the list of products that will now enjoy tariff-free access to UK markets. Unique regional products such as:
Kolhapuri Chappals
Goa’s Feni (traditional liquor)
Handloom textiles
Indian ethnic garments and accessories
are set to enter British retail spaces. This means UK consumers will soon be able to experience the diversity, craftsmanship, and cultural essence of Made in India products like never before. These exports also support rural artisans, promote India’s cultural identity abroad, and ensure that ancient Indian crafts continue to thrive in the global era.
Indian Beverages Eyeing UK Pub Culture
One of the most talked-about aspects of the India-UK FTA is the expected inclusion of India’s indigenous alcoholic beverages in UK bars and restaurants. The Indian government is actively working to ensure recognition and acceptance of traditional drinks like:
Goan Feni
Nashik Wines
Kerala’s Toddy (Palm wine)
in the UK under international trade compliance. If these efforts succeed, Indian beverages could soon find a spot in British pubs, restaurants, and liquor stores, giving a tremendous boost to the country’s traditional beverage industry.
India currently exports alcoholic beverages worth around $370.5 million, and with the help of this FTA, the government aims to push this figure to $1 billion by 2030. This marks a remarkable opportunity for regional brewers and distillers to enter a regulated yet high-demand international space.
Fisheries and Seafood to Gain Global Traction
The benefits of the India-UK trade deal also extend to India’s marine and fisheries sector. Coastal states such as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Kerala are expected to benefit significantly as the UK market opens up to a wider variety of seafood and marine products.
With growing international demand for healthy protein alternatives, Indian seafood—ranging from prawns and tuna to crab and shellfish—could become a regular feature in UK supermarkets and restaurants. Made in India products from the fisheries sector are not only cost-effective but also meet high international quality standards, making them an attractive option for British importers.
State-Specific Export Growth Opportunities
The FTA is structured in a way that allows various Indian states to play a more active role in exports, depending on their specialty products. For instance:
Maharashtra is expected to boost exports of grapes and onions.
Gujarat can expand its trade in cotton and peanuts.
Punjab and Haryana are preparing to scale basmati rice exports.
Kerala and Northeastern states can lead in exporting organic spices, fruits, and herbs.
These regional growth opportunities are poised to generate employment, local economic growth, and increased global recognition for India’s regional specialties.
Conclusion: A New Era for Made in India Products
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement is more than just a diplomatic milestone—it’s a powerful economic catalyst that can elevate the global presence of Made in India products. From high-tech industrial exports to hand-crafted goods and organic food items, Indian products are set to make a strong impact in one of the world’s most established markets.
This deal not only empowers Indian exporters with access to a wider consumer base but also aligns with the government’s “Make in India for the World” vision. As barriers come down and opportunities open up, Made in India products are well on their way to becoming global favorites—delivering quality, tradition, and innovation from India to the UK and beyond.
Q1. What is the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA)?
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement is a bilateral deal between India and the United Kingdom aimed at reducing or eliminating trade barriers like tariffs and import duties. The goal is to enhance the flow of goods and services between the two nations and promote mutual economic growth.
Q2. How will the FTA benefit Indian businesses?
Indian businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), will benefit from reduced tariffs and easier access to UK markets. This opens up huge opportunities for exporting Made in India products like agricultural goods, leather items, textiles, electric machinery, and traditional beverages.
Q3. What kind of Made in India products will now be exported to the UK more easily?
Products such as Kolhapuri chappals, basmati rice, jackfruit, mango pulp, spices (like turmeric, cardamom, black pepper), lentils, organic herbs, seafood, feni from Goa, toddy from Kerala, and wine from Nashik will see increased export potential under the new trade deal.
Q4. How will the trade deal affect Indian farmers and local artisans?
Indian farmers and artisans will gain access to a premium market in the UK. With lower tariffs and growing demand for authentic, organic, and ethnic Indian products, rural communities and micro-entrepreneurs are expected to benefit significantly.
Q5. Will Indian alcoholic beverages be allowed in the UK now?
Yes, traditional Indian beverages like Goa’s feni, Kerala’s toddy, and Nashik’s wine are expected to get recognition and entry into UK pubs and restaurants under the FTA, which will boost India’s alcoholic beverage exports.