Scottish Firms Join UK Trade Mission to India After FTA
Scottish food and drink exporters join a UK government mission to India to leverage the new free trade agreement, which cuts whisky tariffs.
The story in focus
A UK government trade mission to India, including Scottish food and drink businesses, aims to help exporters capitalize on the new UK-India Free Trade Agreement, which cuts whisky tariffs and could boost the Scottish economy by £190 million.
- The UK-India Free Trade Agreement came into force on 15 July 2026 and is expected to deliver a £190 million boost to the Scottish economy.
- Whisky tariffs will be reduced from 150% to 40% over ten years under the deal.
- The trade mission includes Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander and representatives from Salmon Scotland, the Scotch Whisky Association, and Walker’s Shortbread.
Trade deal background
The UK-India Free Trade Agreement took effect on 15 July 2026. According to the UK government, the deal is projected to provide a £190 million boost to the Scottish economy and will cut whisky tariffs from 150% to 40% over a decade.
India is the world’s largest whisky market by volume. The Scotch Whisky Association reports that more than 220 million bottles are exported annually, and the industry supports 41,000 jobs in Scotland and 25,000 elsewhere in the UK.
Mission participants and objectives
The trade mission, starting on 12 October 2026, will visit Delhi and Mumbai. It includes Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, two senior Cabinet colleagues, and a delegation of seven mayors from the North of England.
Scottish participants include Salmon Scotland, the Scotch Whisky Association, and companies such as Walker’s Shortbread. Scottish entrepreneur Mike Soutar is also on board.
The UK government said the mission will open doors, provide regulatory access, market insight, and high-level introductions to help Scottish companies seize opportunities in India. Alexander is also scheduled to meet Indian government ministers, business leaders, and regulators.
Additional business engagements
While in India, Alexander will meet representatives from Scottish life sciences company Microbira, Indian pharmaceutical company Piramal Pharma, and Rolls Royce. Piramal Pharma employs more than 300 people at its Grangemouth facility and invested £45 million there in 2023.
What are the key tariff reductions for Scottish exports under the UK-India trade deal?
The deal cuts whisky tariffs from 150% to 40% over ten years. It also reduces tariffs on Scottish soft drinks and salmon, according to the UK government.
Sources & further reading
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