The recently signed India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been hailed as a landmark achievement by leading voices in India’s automotive sector. Industry associations and corporate leaders alike see the pact as a catalyst for deeper economic cooperation, greater market access, and enhanced competitiveness for Indian manufacturers in a key global market. The agreement, concluded amid a challenging global trade environment, is expected to unlock new opportunities in trade, technology, and investment while bolstering bilateral ties between the two nations.
Shailesh Chandra, President, SIAM; and MD, Tata Passenger Vehicles Ltd & Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd.
“The Indian automobile industry congratulates the Government of India for its tireless efforts in bringing the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to fruition. This landmark development marks a significant step forward in strengthening India’s global economic engagement, particularly with developed economies.
As two major economies enter a new phase of partnership, SIAM appreciates the Government’s extensive stakeholder consultations throughout the negotiation process. Concluding this transformative agreement amid global trade uncertainties reflects India’s growing leadership in shaping modern trade and investment frameworks.
The commitments made by the Government of India on automobile sector tariffs strike a thoughtful balance—addressing consumer interests while supporting the broader goals of Indian industry. We view this agreement as part of a wider strategic engagement and believe it opens new avenues for collaboration and opportunity with a key global partner.
SIAM remains committed to working closely with the Government of India to ensure the benefits of the agreement translate into greater growth, global competitiveness, and technological progress for the Indian automotive industry.”
Shradha Suri Marwah, President, ACMA
“The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) welcomes the signing of the India–UK Comprehensive Trade Agreement as a landmark development in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. This agreement is poised to usher in a new era of economic cooperation, fostering greater market access, technology partnerships, and value chain integration between the Indian and British automotive industries.
The CETA is expected to benefit the Indian auto component sector through enhanced opportunities for exports, streamlined regulatory processes, particularly in key areas such as electric mobility, precision engineering, and lightweight materials. Indian MSMEs, which form the backbone of our industry, stand to gain from the liberalized terms of trade and improved access to UK markets.
We are hopeful that the agreement will also promote collaboration in R&D, skilling, and innovation, especially in green and digital technologies—areas that are crucial for our sector’s long-term competitiveness and sustainability.
ACMA congratulates the Government of India and the United Kingdom for their vision and commitment in bringing this agreement to fruition. We look forward to working with our counterparts in the UK to realize the full potential of this partnership, and to strengthen our collective contribution to global automotive value chains.”
Amit Kalyani, Vice-Chairman & Joint MD, Bharat Forge Ltd.
“Congratulations to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji on the historic India–UK deal signed yesterday! #IndiaUKFTA marks a breakthrough for India’s engineering and manufacturing industries, with zero-duty access on about 99% of tariff lines covering almost 100% of trade value. Indian manufacturers can now tap into the UK market with greater competitiveness, improving their global footprint.
I’d like to extend my appreciation to Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal ji, for his pivotal roles in facilitating this partnership. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this agreement on trade, investment, and economic growth in both countries.”
R. Dinesh, Chairman, TVS Supply Chain Solutions
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on the signing of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement. This landmark deal paves the way for a new era of economic cooperation between two vibrant economies.
As a company with a strong presence in both India and the UK, we at TVS Supply Chain Solutions see this FTA as a strategic enabler. It will help streamline trade flows, reduce operational friction, and accelerate our ability to deliver cost-effective, agile solutions to global customers. With our strong presence in the UK and India, the agreement further strengthens our position in a critical market while opening new doors for cross-border collaboration, investment, and innovation.”
Sudarshan Venu, MD, TVS Motor Company
“TVS Motor Company welcomes the signing of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day official visit to Britain. The landmark agreement is expected to double bilateral trade from USD 60 billion to USD 120 billion by 2030, and is a significant step forward in realising the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat.
The FTA is poised to open new global frontiers for Indian manufacturing and design, especially under the Government of India’s flagship ‘Make in India’ initiative. For TVS Motor Company, the agreement comes at a pivotal time as we prepare to launch a new line of Norton Motorcycles in the UK, following our strategic acquisition of the iconic British brand.
We are deeply inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat and his unwavering commitment to making India a global manufacturing and design powerhouse. The signing of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement is a pivotal moment—it opens new frontiers for Indian companies to take ‘Make in India’ to the world. We are particularly excited given the launch of new Norton vehicles this year, which will benefit from the strengthening of trade links between India and the UK. It energises our global ambitions and strengthens our resolve to build world-class products and brands.”
Saurabh Agarwal, Partner & Automotive Tax Leader, EY India
“This deal should really help our auto component makers sell more in the United Kingdom. At the same time, Indian consumers might be able to buy premium cars at the right price point as soon as they are launched globally. It probably won’t shake up our Indian car manufacturers too much because most Indian consumers still prefer the more affordable options.
What this agreement really shows is that the government wants to create a level playing field, which is good news for all Indian consumers in the long run. This could also set a precedent for more such deals down the line.”