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King Charles engaged in discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Sandringham following the signing of a free trade agreement between the UK and India.
This agreement will reduce the cost of exporting UK cars and whisky to India, while making Indian textiles and jewellery more affordable for export to the UK, resulting in a multi-billion pound boost to exports.
It took three years to finalize this deal, which also includes a commitment to a new plan aimed at addressing illegal migration between India and the UK.
Modi was welcomed by the King at his private estate in Norfolk after his meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Chequers, where the agreement was officially signed.
Critics had expressed concerns that the deal might undermine British workers due to extended social security provisions, but Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds countered that assertion, stating it was “completely wrong”.
He clarified that Indian workers temporarily seconded to the UK would receive the same terms already available to many other nations.
During his visit to Sandringham, Modi presented Charles with a tree to be planted in the autumn.
Sir Keir described the agreement as “the largest and most economically significant” trade deal Britain has established since Brexit.
“This deal is now signed, sealed, delivered,” he remarked.
“The UK has been pursuing a deal of this nature for many years, but it is this government that has successfully accomplished it, sending a strong message that Britain is open for business, which is already fostering significant confidence.”
He noted that the deal is expected to create over 2,200 jobs across the UK as Indian companies expand their presence and British firms explore new opportunities in India.
Sir Keir also emphasized that a trade agreement is “not the full extent or limit of our collaboration with India,” a nation with which the UK shares “unique historical, familial, and cultural ties, and we aim to further strengthen our relationship.”
Last year, the Indian Prime Minister initiated an environmental campaign encouraging individuals to plant a tree in honor of their mothers.
Modi referred to the agreement as “a blueprint for our shared prosperity.”
(Newsroom staff only edited this story for style from a syndicated feed)
