£38 billion worth of opportunities and a historic reshaping of India UK trade

The recently concluded India–UK Free Trade Agreement is more than just another trade pact. For the first time, the Narendra Modi government has unlocked India’s vast government procurement market, worth nearly £38 billion for UK suppliers.

This unprecedented opening grants British businesses access to strategic sectors such as transport, green energy, and infrastructure, areas traditionally reserved for domestic players. From building rural roads to powering schools with solar energy, the scope now extends to projects both large‑scale and community‑driven.

UK suppliers will now bid almost on par with Indian companies, eligible as Class-II local suppliers, and enjoying greater flexibility in sourcing, with goods requiring only 20% UK content to qualify. While Indian Class-I suppliers will still receive preference, the door is now open to contracts previously out of reach. It’s a sign of India’s growing confidence in competing and collaborating on a global stage.

Indeed, every great opportunity comes with challenges: pricing competitiveness, payment timelines, and the nuances of contract enforcement remain hurdles. But these are not roadblocks, they are the realities of doing business in a dynamic, fast‑growing market. Success will depend on adapting to local contexts while bringing global innovation and standards to the table.

I believe this is the beginning of deeper, more meaningful economic ties between India and the UK, ties that will drive innovation, strengthen transparency, and deliver long‑lasting benefits to businesses and communities alike.

In the end, the true success of this policy shift will be measured not just by contract wins, but by the infrastructure built, the communities united, businesses uplifted, and the sustainable growth we can collectively achieve."

-Vijay Goel, Senior Partner, Singhania & Co. LLP (This is an op-ed. The opinions expressed belong to the writer and and not necessarily to www.eij.news.)