Overview
- MPs clashed in a high-profile Commons debate, with Andrew Griffith branding the pact “soggy poppadoms” as Trade Minister Chris Bryant defended it and cited backing from major business groups including HSBC, EY and TheCityUK.
- Critics warned the agreement sidelines key UK services, delays tariff cuts for British goods by five to ten years, omits a bilateral investment treaty, and lacks enforceable human-rights and labour protections.
- A Double Contributions Convention drew fire for letting Indian workers and employers avoid UK National Insurance for up to three years, with Griffith saying it could make hiring an Indian software developer up to £10,000 cheaper; Bryant argued charges like the NHS surcharge still apply and described the measure as covering highly skilled temporary staff.
- The government highlighted projected gains by 2040, including a £4.8 billion GDP boost, £2.2 billion higher wages, and £25.5 billion in additional annual trade, plus immediate tariff savings of about £400 million as India cuts duties on 90% of lines, falling on average from 15% to 3%.
- Bryant said the UK holds a first-mover edge over the EU and uniquely secured access to India’s £38 billion federal procurement market, with ratification under way and entry into force targeted before the end of the summer.