PM Starmer’s India Visit Aims to Strengthen Trade, Unlock Whisky Market Potential

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer begins his two-day visit to India on Wednesday. During his visit, British Scotch whisky is in the spotlight. The UK's Scotch whisky industry is expected to benefit considerably from the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The British government hopes it will boost Scotland's economy by £190 million annually.

Members of the Scotch Whisky Association and whisky producers are also part of the delegation accompanying Prime Minister Starmer to India. Under the free trade agreement, India will reduce import duties on Scotch whisky, which could increase Scotch whisky sales in India. It is estimated that whisky sales in India could grow by around £1 billion annually, creating over 1,000 new jobs in the UK.

Douglas Alexander, UK Secretary of State for Scotland, said, "The historic trade agreement signed by the UK Government with India this year is great news for Scotland and, in particular, for our whisky industry; but having secured this agreement, our challenge and responsibility now is to implement it." Mark Kent, CEO of the Scotch Whisky Association, said, "The reduction in import duties on all our exports to India will open up access to the world's largest whisky market and give Indian consumers greater choice."

Regarding Prime Minister Starmer's visit, Douglas Alexander said, "This agreement with India could be transformative for the industry in the long term. On this trade mission, we will seek to fully leverage the opportunities this important trade agreement presents for Scotland." British government analysis shows that the agreement will increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, boost UK GDP by £4.8 billion, and raise wages by £2.2 billion per year over the long term.