Keir Starmer's India visit: Scotch whisky delegation aims for £1 billion sales target

Mumbai: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in India on Thursday for a visit marked by high expectations following the landmark India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in July. The visit aims to deepen economic ties and capitalise on new business opportunities opened up by the trade deal.

Starmer is accompanied by members and producers of the Scotch Whisky Association, who are seeking to tap into the growing Indian market for premium spirits. The delegation plans to explore first-hand the immense potential for Scotland’s globally renowned whisky industry in India.

According to experts, the liberalised trade agreement could boost UK whisky sales in India to £1 billion annually, potentially creating over 1,000 new UK jobs.

A major highlight of the agreement is the drastic reduction in import tariffs on Scotch whisky. Tariffs were immediately slashed from 150% to 75%, with a further gradual cut to 40% over the next decade. This move is considered a breakthrough in strengthening bilateral trade relations and significantly expanding market access for one of the UK’s most iconic exports.