"6 UK Universities To Open Campuses In India": PM Narendra Modi

Chequers, UK | July 24, 2025 — In a major milestone for India-UK economic relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) today at Chequers, the official country residence of the UK Prime Minister. The deal aims to significantly strengthen trade ties and stimulate economic growth in both countries.

The agreement is projected to double bilateral trade—from €60 billion to €120 billion—by 2030. By reducing or eliminating tariffs on a wide range of goods and services, the FTA is expected to cut the cost of doing business and enhance market access for industries on both sides.

“This agreement is a turning point,” Prime Minister Modi said during the signing ceremony. “The cost of doing business will go down, and the confidence of business will go up.”

Under the terms of the FTA, India will open its markets further to UK exports in key sectors including textiles, footwear, gems and jewelry, seafood, and engineering goods. In return, the UK will provide greater access for Indian businesses and professionals, with measures to simplify trade procedures and facilitate investments.

The two leaders also discussed deeper educational cooperation. Modi highlighted the opening of six new British university campuses in India, including a newly inaugurated Southampton University campus in Gurugram. The move is expected to expand higher education opportunities and further strengthen cultural and academic ties between the two nations.

The signing of the FTA marks the culmination of years of negotiations and is being hailed as one of the most significant economic pacts between India and the UK in recent decades.

Both governments have expressed confidence that the agreement will serve as a foundation for a broader strategic partnership, paving the way for future collaboration in technology, green energy, education, and digital innovation.