Key Points

NSE CEO Ashish Chauhan expressed pride in witnessing the India-UK FTA signing alongside PM Modi and UK PM Starmer. He noted the rare bipartisan UK political support for the deal after years of negotiations. The agreement is expected to accelerate similar pacts with the US, EU, and Japan. Chauhan credited PM Modi's leadership for India's growing global trade influence.

Key Points: NSE CEO Ashish Chauhan Honoured to Witness India-UK FTA Signing

  • NSE CEO highlights bipartisan UK support for India trade deal
  • FTA negotiations spanned 4-5 years across UK governments
  • Deal sets stage for future pacts with US, EU, Japan
  • Modi's leadership credited for India's global trade progress
2 min read

Honoured to witness signing of free trade pact between India and UK: Ashish Kumar Chauhan

NSE CEO Ashish Chauhan calls India-UK FTA signing historic, praises Modi and Starmer for bipartisan support on trade deal.

"Honoured to witness the signing of the India-UK FTA with PM Modi and UK PM Starmer at Chequers – Ashish Kumar Chauhan"

London, July 26

Ashish Kumar Chauhan, MD and CEO of National Stock Exchange (NSE), said on Saturday that it was an honour to witness the signing of Free Trade agreement between India and the UK, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Keir Starmer.

“Honoured and privileged to be a witness to the signing of Free Trade agreement between India and UK on July 24,2025 with Hon’ble PM India and Hon’ble PM Uk at the country residence of UK PM Chequers outside London, UK,” Chauhan said in a post on X social media platform.

The landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is an indication of several such trade pacts in the near future under the leadership of PM Modi, he had said earlier on Friday.

Speaking to IANS here, Chauhan said that the talks on the India-UK FTA were ongoing for three-four years.

“When talks first began 4–5 years ago, the UK was under a Conservative government. Since then, there have been regime changes but the way both the Conservative and the Labour parties supported finalising the FTA is commendable,” he emphasised.

According to Chauhan, the India-UK FTA will pave the way for several such trade pacts with other nations, like the US, the EU and Japan etc, in the near future.

India and the EU are aiming to reach an agreement on a free trade deal by the end of 2025.

The coming months will be crucial for India’s global trade relations, as the government intensifies negotiations with major partners such as the EU and the ASEAN bloc. Meanwhile, talks with the US are also gaining pace.

“The world has seen the tremendous progress India has achieved in the last 11 years under PM Modi, and the FTA will bring a better future for several industries,” said the NSE CEO.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone working in Indo-UK trade relations, I hope this agreement includes provisions for easier work visas. The current system makes it very difficult for Indian professionals to contribute fully to UK businesses.
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Priya S
While this is good news, I hope our government ensures Indian farmers and small businesses are protected. FTAs sometimes benefit big corporations more than local producers. Need to see the fine print!
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Arjun K
Finally! This was long overdue. The UK is India's natural trading partner given our historical ties. Expecting cheaper Scotch whisky and British cars soon 😄 But seriously, this will boost Make in India too.
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Michael C
Interesting development. I wonder how this will affect the balance of trade between the two nations. India has been running a trade surplus with UK - hope this agreement maintains that advantage for Indian exporters.
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Nisha Z
The real test will be implementation. Our previous FTAs haven't always delivered promised benefits due to non-tariff barriers. Hope this time there's proper monitoring mechanism. Still, a proud moment for India's global trade ambitions!

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