JCB Hails Landmark UK–India Free Trade Agreement as Gateway to Major Business Growth

UK digger manufacturer JCB has welcomed warmly the news of the UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), calling it a landmark moment in trade between two countries and a golden opportunity for British businesses to tap into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

The agreement, reached after protracted negotiations between the Republic of India and the United Kingdom, will, it is expected, considerably boost trade between the countries through a reduction in tariffs, ease in rules, and enhanced access to goods and services.

JCB, which has been well entrenched in India since 1979, described the FTA as a “game-changer.”

Graeme Macdonald, Chief Executive Officer of JCB, highlighted the magnitude of the opportunity:

“India is a great country in which to do business. We’ve been manufacturing there for over four decades, and we know how dynamic and promising the market is. With India now the fifth-largest economy in the world and set to become the third-largest by 2028 this agreement provides British businesses the confidence and clarity needed to engage more deeply with Indian partners.”

JCB Chairman Lord Anthony Bamford also praised the UK government for successfully closing the deal.

“India, home to more than 1.4 billion people, is the world’s largest democracy and an incredibly welcoming market for British goods. At JCB, we’ve experienced firsthand how open and receptive Indian industries are. This FTA not only strengthens our ties but unlocks immense two-way trade potential between our nations,” he said.

With decades of operations and manufacturing facilities in India, JCB stands as a prime example of successful British investment in the region. The company believes this new agreement will not only simplify future trade but also deepen existing partnerships, encouraging other UK companies to follow suit.

As both governments prepare to implement the agreement, industry leaders like JCB see it as a pivotal moment to reshape UK–India economic relations and set a new standard for international cooperation.