Landmark free trade milestone in 2025 injects momentum behind stronger India-UK ties

LONDON: (Dec 26) The highly anticipated free trade deal between India and the UK, in the works for over four years, came to fruition in 2025, alongside a ‘Vision 2035’ pact to revitalise bilateral ties beyond the realm of trade and investment.

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations dominated the headlines for the major part of the year as both sides looked determined to get the deal over the line and formally signed off during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK in July.

Keir Starmer, celebrating his own one-year mark as British Prime Minister, laid out an especially warm reception for Modi over cups of chai at his countryside residence Chequers, near London.