The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), recently concluded after intense negotiations, is being hailed as a historic and transformative milestone for India’s economy—especially its apparel and textile sector. By eliminating tariffs on 99% of Indian exports, the pact opens up massive opportunities for Indian products in the premium UK market, promising a significant boost in exports, job creation, and sectoral growth.
The agreement is set to benefit labour – intensive sectors such as apparel and textiles, marine products, leather, footwear, toys etc. For the apparel and textile industry in particular, the FTA removes key trade barriers, expands market access, and positions India as a global apparel and textile hub—aligning with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting Indian craftsmanship and innovation on the world stage.
Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, Apparel Made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council, welcomed the agreement and extended his heartfelt congratulations to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Union Commerce Minister Shri Piyush Goyal for steering this landmark deal. “This is a Himalayan achievement that will provide a strong impetus to India’s apparel and textile exports and boost employment and growth in the sector,” said Dr. Sakthivel.
The deal is seen as a strategic move that significantly strengthens India’s position as a global apparel and textile hub. It aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision to promote Indian craftsmanship and innovation on the world stage, while also enhancing India’s trade footprint in post-Brexit Europe.
Beyond goods, the FTA will also support growth in services related to the apparel and textile ecosystem. This opens new avenues for Indian talent—particularly young professionals and entrepreneurs—to engage with global fashion and retail markets. Notably, a major highlight of the agreement is the three-year exemption from social security contributions for Indian professionals working in the UK, enhancing income retention and encouraging greater cross-border collaboration.
The pact also opens the door to stronger strategic alignment between India and the UK, and provides greater global mobility for aspirational young Indians. With its comprehensive scope and deep economic impact, the India-UK Free Trade Agreement marks a bold step toward inclusive growth, job creation, and global leadership in the apparel, textile and allied sectors. It signals a new era for Indian exports, reinforcing the country’s emergence as a trusted trade partner and a hub of skilled craftsmanship and innovation.