Strengthening India-UK Trade Relations: TPCI and UKIBC Sign MoU

The Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) has partnered with the UK-India Business Council (UKIBC) to enhance trade relations following the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). This collaboration aims to connect businesses, facilitate trade missions, and create growth opportunities for SMEs. A B2B matchmaking event in London showcased Indian exporters and UK importers, highlighting the food and beverage sector's potential. With significant tariff reductions under CETA, Indian food exporters are poised for expansion in the UK market. This partnership marks a pivotal step in transforming trade discussions into actionable outcomes.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 22, 2026, 13:27 IST

Enhancing Bilateral Trade Ties

Representational Image

New Delhi, Oct 22: The Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK-India Business Council (UKIBC) to strengthen commercial relations following the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), as announced on Thursday.

This agreement lays the groundwork for collaborative business efforts between TPCI and UKIBC.

The focus of this partnership is to link businesses, facilitate trade missions, exchange market insights, and create growth avenues for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in both countries, according to a statement from TPCI.

Coinciding with the MoU signing, TPCI hosted a B2B matchmaking event in London, showcasing 48 Indian exporting firms alongside 150 importers from the UK.

The food and beverage sector is identified as a key area for growth under the new trade agreement.

Currently, the UK imports approximately £3.68 billion worth of processed food each year, with India accounting for only 0.6% (£9.5 million), indicating substantial potential for growth.

With the implementation of CETA, UK tariffs on processed foods, which were as high as 70%, as well as duties on shrimp (4.2-8.5%) and instant coffee, have been removed.

Mohit Singla, Chairman of TPCI, remarked, “This MoU marks a significant step in transitioning India-UK trade from policy discussions to actual partnerships. With the CETA now in effect, TPCI and UKIBC will actively work on enhancing bilateral trade, ensuring that the momentum from the FTA leads to real results.”

Singla added that with 99% of Indian tariff lines now entering the UK duty-free and the elimination of peak tariffs on processed foods, the environment for Indian food exporters has significantly improved.

Additionally, the TPCI team engaged in discussions with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST), the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), and the Scotch Whisky Association.

“Both parties explored business support mechanisms to enhance international trade and stimulate economic growth,” TPCI stated.

Furthermore, bilateral trade between India and the UK reached £48 billion in FY2025-26.

As a result, Indian food exporters are set to increase their exports, expand beyond the 1.86 million Indian diaspora market, and establish supply chains within the UK retail and food service sectors.