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We are writing to remind you that the Department for International Trade is currently seeking your views on the UK’s future trading arrangements with India. The Call for Input will close at 11:45pm on Tuesday 31st August. You can respond via the online platform here.

In May 2021 the Prime Minister announced the UK’s intent to negotiate a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India. To prepare for this negotiation, we are seeking input from businesses such as yours to understand what should be our top priorities for the future trade deal.

An FTA between the UK and India would represent an important opportunity to deepen our trade and investment relationship. Stronger trade links with India will also pave the way for a partnership between the UK and India, shaping the global trade agenda in areas like digital trade, innovation and the environment. The UK also aims to make it easier for services firms to sell into the Indian market, boosting the UK’s status as an international services hub.

We are particularly interested in your views about:

• Which areas of a potential future free trade agreement do you want the UK government to prioritise in trade talks with India?
• Are you facing challenges or constraints when attempting to trade or invest in India, and if so, how significant is this on your business activity?
• How do you expect your business to respond to a comprehensive FTA? For example, might you begin exporting to, or importing from, India? Would you look to invest in India or attract investment from India, increase output or hire more workers?
• How do you expect your business to respond to the removal of Indian tariffs?
• Is your business trading products related to the environment or a low carbon economy with India?

The Call for Input is an easy to complete, straightforward online questionnaire, with ample opportunity to include detail, examples and facts and figures if you choose to do so. We hope to hear from you soon.

As you may also be aware, DIT works with a wide range of businesses and business groups to highlight their successes in trading internationally. Our objective is to demonstrate to the UK public and to other businesses how trade, including FTAs, can help businesses grow and create jobs.

Please email externalaffairs@trade.gov.uk if you would like to discuss with our External Affairs team opportunities, including press, social media and visits, to profile your business as part of an UK’s Enhanced Trade Partnership with India.

If you have further accessibility needs, please email uk.indiaconsultation@trade.gov.uk