• Source:JND
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India-UK Free Trade Agreement: Congress leader and former external affairs minister Shashi Tharoor has described the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as an "inflexion point" that could reshape ties between the two nations. In an opinion piece for NDTV, Tharoor said the deal marks a crucial shift, moving the relationship beyond its colonial shadows and into a new era of mutual growth and strategic cooperation.

Calling it a “profound testament to a maturing partnership”, Tharoor wrote that the FTA is “a critical investment in the prosperity and opportunities for future generations in both nations.”

“For too long, the narrative of Indo-UK relations has been shadowed by the echoes of a colonial past," he stated. “While that history must never be forgotten, it is equally crucial to acknowledge the evolving dynamics of a modern, democratic India and a globally engaged Britain.”

According to Tharoor, the deal opens up vast opportunities for Indian industries by offering near-total duty-free access to the UK market. “With 99 per cent of Indian exports gaining duty-free access to the UK market, sectors like textiles, leather goods, marine products, gems and jewellery, and engineering goods stand to gain immensely,” he noted, highlighting its impact on the government’s ‘Make in India’ campaign.

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He also underscored how Indian farmers could benefit from the agreement, with tariffs being removed on 95 per cent of agricultural and processed food exports. Furthermore, he pointed to the positive implications for India’s services sector, saying that “the easing of professional mobility for Indian skilled workers and professionals into 35 UK sectors for up to two years, without the need for a local office, is a game-changer.”

While the trade deal promises immediate economic benefits, Tharoor believes its real value lies in the long-term impact on bilateral ties. “By institutionalising frameworks for cooperation in areas beyond traditional trade, such as innovation, research, climate action, and education, the CETA lays a robust foundation for a truly comprehensive partnership", he said.

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He added that the jointly agreed ‘Vision 2035’ roadmap underscores shared interests and challenges. “The ‘Vision 2035’ roadmap, agreed alongside the CETA, emphasises collaborations in defence, technology, and green energy, recognising the shared strategic interests and global challenges both nations face,” Tharoor wrote.