India鈥揢K Trade Pact Enters Action Phase: Goyal at IGF 2025
20 Jun 2025 CW Team
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal highlighted India鈥檚 strategic trade ambitions and global economic leadership at the India Global Forum (IGF) 2025 in London, following the landmark signing of the India鈥揢K Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in May.
Delivering the keynote address at the Mainstage Plenary Session, titled 鈥淔rom Agreement to Action: The UK鈥揑ndia FTA鈥�, Goyal reaffirmed India鈥檚 commitment to moving beyond the signed text to build a transformative economic partnership. He was joined in conversation by UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, with moderation by journalist Mark Barton.
Describing the FTA as a symbol of shared ambition between two dynamic democracies, Goyal said the agreement not only boosts trade but also reflects India's capability to craft balanced and forward-looking trade frameworks aligned with national interests.
He outlined key priorities for the next phase, including establishing robust governance mechanisms, delivering early benefits to small businesses and startups, and facilitating smooth mobility of skilled professionals.
On 19 June, Goyal also spoke at a session on UK鈥揑ndia collaboration in science, technology, and innovation held at the Science Museum in London. The event focused on UK鈥檚 role in India鈥檚 digital infrastructure, green technologies, and Make in India agenda, covering sectors such as AI, fintech, creative industries, and defence production.
Discussions also touched on expanding global adoption of Indian digital innovations like UPI and CoWIN, and scaling India鈥檚 Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
The Union Minister stressed that the FTA will serve as a catalyst for joint efforts in critical technologies, sustainable manufacturing, and advanced industries, positioning India and the UK as partners in global innovation and prosperity.
Goyal鈥檚 visit reaffirms India鈥檚 deepening strategic partnership with the UK, aiming to unlock new opportunities across goods, services, and technology through the FTA framework.