Archive · 23 Jul 2025
Congress Expresses Concerns Over India-UK Free Trade Agreement
India's Prime Minister Modi is going to the UK to sign a trade deal.
The Congress party is worried this deal might hurt Indian businesses like small factories and car makers.
The deal could let UK companies sell things to the Indian government, which could make it harder for local companies to compete.
Also, the deal may make it easier to import cars and change rules about medicines, which some people think could cause problems.
Modi thinks the deal will help both countries.
India and the UK are set to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during PM Modi's visit.
The Congress party has raised concerns about the FTA's impact on India's domestic industries.
Concerns include potential harm to MSMEs, the automobile industry, and pharmaceutical sector.
The FTA allows UK firms to participate in government procurement, potentially affecting Indian businesses.
PM Modi stated the visit aims to enhance economic partnership, growth, and job creation.
- Who
- PM Modi and the UK government are involved in the FTA. The Congress party has raised concerns.
- What
- India and the UK are likely to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
- When
- The FTA is likely to be signed during PM Modi's visit to the UK.
- Where
- The FTA signing is to take place in the UK.
- Why
- The FTA aims to boost economic partnership, growth, and job creation.
Congress Party Concerns
Government Stance
MSMEs
Congress Party Concerns
The FTA will negatively impact MSMEs due to increased competition.
Government Stance
The FTA will boost economic partnership, growth, and job creation.
Automobile Industry
Congress Party Concerns
The FTA will undermine India's automobile industry.
Government Stance
The FTA will promote trade and investment
Pharmaceutical Sector
Congress Party Concerns
The FTA will affect access to affordable medicines and undermine India's position in generic drug manufacturing.
Government Stance
The FTA will strengthen ties and increase cooperation.
- Event
- India-UK Free Trade Agreement
- Location
- UK and Maldives
- Visiting Official
- PM Narendra Modi
- Concern Raised By
- Congress Party
- Affected Industries
- MSMEs, Automobile, Pharmaceuticals
- Government Procurement Market
- Estimated USD 600 billion