The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), safeguards Indian farmers by excluding dairy products, edible oils, apples, and oats from tariff concessions while granting zero duties on 95% of agricultural and processed food exports, a commerce ministry official said. The pact, inked during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s UK visit, unlocks premium UK markets for Indian staples like turmeric, pepper, cardamom, mango pulp, pickles, pulses, and marine products like shrimp and tuna.

With the UK importing $37.52 billion in agricultural products annually, India’s $811 million share is set to grow, with duty-free access on fruits, vegetables, cereals, and processed foods like spice mixes and ready-to-eat meals. “This will boost agri-exports by over 20% in three years, aligning with India’s $100 billion target by 2030,” the official noted. Emerging products like jackfruits, millets, and organic herbs will also gain traction.

In the $5.4 billion UK marine import market, where India holds a 2.25% share, zero duties on 99% of exports, previously taxed at 4.2-8.5%, will enhance competitiveness for shrimp, tuna, and fishmeal. High-margin branded products like coffee (1.7% UK share), tea (5.6%), and spices (2.9%) will benefit, with Indian instant coffee poised to rival EU exporters.

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Geographical Indication (GI) protection will elevate craft drinks like Goan feni and Nashik wines in UK retail.  Maharashtra (grapes, onions), Gujarat (groundnut), Punjab (basmati), and Kerala (spices) farmers stand to gain. Posts on X highlight optimism for rural economies, though some urge safeguards for excluded sectors.

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