'Brewing stronger ties': PM Modi holds 'Chai Pe Charcha' with British counterpart Keir Starmer
In the images, a young man dressed in a traditional Indian kurta is seen pouring tea from a kettle into a paper cup labeled "MASALA CHAI." Modi and PM Starmer are seen from behind, watching the tea being served. Modi is in his signature white kurta with a sleeveless jacket, while Starmer is in a formal suit.
The FTA, signed in the presence of Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds, along with PM Modi and British PM Keir Starmer-- is expected to boost bilateral trade by around $34 billion annually.
Calling it a 'historic day' for India-UK relations, Prime Minister Modi said the agreement would bring significant advantages to Indian youth, farmers, fishermen, and small and medium enterprises.
India has protected the interest of domestic farmers by excluding dairy products, edible oils and apples in the FTA, while securing zero duties on 95 per cent of agriculture and processed food items.
Processed Food - mango pulp, pickles, and pulses, fruits, cereals, spice mixes
Turmeric, pepper, cardamom
Marine products - shrimp and tuna, fishmeal, and feeds
British exporters are also expected to gain from the deal, with officials noting that it will simplify the process for UK firms to sell whisky, cars, and other products in the Indian market, thereby expanding the scope of bilateral trade.
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