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The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), poised to be signed in London, represents a significant step towards bolstering economic ties between the two nations and solidifying “Brand India” on the global stage. This comprehensive economic and trade agreement, officially known as a CEPA, aims to protect and promote Indian cultural heritage, particularly labour-intensive goods like Kolhapuri chappals and Banarasi textiles, which are often crafted by women. The agreement will enable the export of these products to British markets at concessional rates, fostering a gender-inclusive trade framework. The anticipated presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the signing ceremony underscores the high-level commitment to this agreement, which is projected to double trade between the two economies to an impressive $120 billion by 2030. A central feature of the pact is the inclusion of gender equality provisions, designed to enhance trade opportunities for women entrepreneurs, business owners, and workers. This marks a notable departure from India's previous trade policies, signaling a commitment to integrating gender considerations into its economic agenda. The UK government has lauded this aspect, emphasizing that the FTA incorporates chapters on anti-corruption, labour rights, gender, and development. These chapters are expected to empower women to fully benefit from the UK-India FTA, promoting gender equality and economic empowerment through trade. The trade agreement entails significant reductions in tariffs, with India, known for its relatively protectionist economy, slashing 90 percent of its duties. This measure will reduce the average tariff on UK products to a mere 3 percent from the previous 15 percent. In return, Britain, which already imports a substantial 11 billion euros worth of goods from India annually, will grant greater market access to Indian manufacturers. This reciprocal arrangement aims to create a mutually beneficial trade environment, fostering growth and prosperity in both nations. By granting duty-free access to 99% of Indian exports, including coveted textiles like Banarsi and Chanderi, as well as leather icons such as handmade Kolhapuri footwear, the FTA will significantly enhance India's global presence. The deal will contribute to increased brand recognition, preserve cultural identity, and boost the incomes of artisans, particularly those in women-led businesses. This also hopes to alleviate cultural appropriation of Indian textile and handicraft products, where Western fashion industries are taking design cues from Indian craftsmanship without proper acknowledgement or compensation. A recent example of this was the controversy surrounding global fashion brand Prada's use of Kolhapuri chappal designs in their 2026 menswear collection, without properly crediting the Indian cultural heritage. The agreement is expected to significantly boost job creation and financial independence for women, positioning India as a top supplier in labour-intensive sectors. These aims of the trade deal look towards not just the economic benefits of reduced tariffs and free trade, but also towards more ethical and fair business practice on a global scale. The inclusion of anti-corruption and labor rights in the FTA also suggests that both countries seek to promote fair working conditions and ethical business practices. Furthermore, the deal attempts to protect Indian cultural heritage and empower artisans, while promoting sustainable economic growth through trade. Ultimately, this agreement stands to strengthen the relationship between India and the UK. It will boost economies of both countries, and support the economic empowerment of women.
India's strategic inclusion of gender equality provisions within the India-UK Free Trade Agreement underscores a progressive approach to international trade. This move recognizes the crucial role women play in the Indian economy, particularly in the labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, footwear, and handicrafts. By specifically targeting enhanced trade opportunities for women entrepreneurs, business owners, and workers, the FTA aims to redress existing gender imbalances within the trade landscape. This includes provisions for access to finance, training, and technology, enabling women to expand their businesses and compete effectively in the global market. Furthermore, the FTA seeks to address systemic barriers that women-owned businesses often face, such as limited access to market information, networks, and international trade regulations. The intention is to create a more level playing field, where women can fully realize their economic potential and contribute to inclusive growth. The emphasis on gender equality within the FTA also extends to the labour market, promoting fair wages, safe working conditions, and equal opportunities for women in export-oriented industries. This aims to combat exploitation and ensure that women workers benefit directly from the increased trade flows generated by the agreement. The UK government's strong support for the gender equality provisions within the FTA reflects a shared commitment to promoting women's economic empowerment and advancing gender equality through trade. The UK has actively championed the inclusion of dedicated chapters on gender and development within free trade agreements, recognizing the transformative potential of trade to advance women's rights and economic opportunities. The India-UK FTA serves as a model for future trade agreements, demonstrating how trade can be a powerful tool for promoting gender equality and inclusive development. It sends a clear signal that gender considerations should be integrated into all aspects of trade policy, from negotiations to implementation. The success of the gender equality provisions within the India-UK FTA will depend on effective implementation and monitoring. This includes the establishment of clear benchmarks, indicators, and accountability mechanisms to track progress and ensure that the intended benefits reach women entrepreneurs, business owners, and workers. Collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector is essential to ensure the effective implementation of these provisions. Additionally, ongoing dialogue and consultation with women stakeholders are crucial to identify and address any challenges or unintended consequences that may arise. By prioritizing gender equality within its trade policy, India is not only advancing women's rights and economic opportunities, but also strengthening its overall economic competitiveness and contributing to sustainable and inclusive growth. The India-UK FTA serves as a powerful example of how trade can be used to promote social and economic progress, benefiting both countries and advancing global gender equality.
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement's focus on safeguarding India's cultural heritage and intellectual property represents a crucial step in protecting the country's unique artistic traditions and preventing cultural appropriation. The FTA specifically aims to address the issue of Western fashion industries sourcing designs and styles from Indian craftsmanship without proper attribution or compensation. This practice not only undermines the economic livelihoods of Indian artisans, but also diminishes the cultural significance of their creations. By granting duty-free access to coveted textiles like Banarsi and Chanderi, as well as leather icons such as handmade Kolhapuri footwear, the FTA seeks to enhance the value and recognition of these products in the global market. This will enable Indian artisans to command higher prices for their creations, boosting their incomes and preserving their traditional skills. The FTA also aims to establish clear guidelines and mechanisms for protecting Indian designs and intellectual property. This includes measures to prevent the unauthorized reproduction or imitation of Indian designs, as well as provisions for legal recourse in cases of infringement. The agreement emphasizes the importance of respecting the cultural heritage and traditional knowledge associated with Indian crafts and textiles. This includes recognizing the collective rights of artisans and communities to protect their cultural heritage and ensure that they benefit from the commercialization of their creations. The controversy surrounding global fashion brand Prada's use of Kolhapuri chappal designs in their 2026 menswear collection highlights the urgent need for stronger protections against cultural appropriation. The FTA seeks to address this issue by promoting greater awareness of Indian cultural heritage and fostering ethical collaborations between Indian artisans and international designers. The agreement also encourages the development of certification schemes and labelling initiatives to identify and promote authentic Indian products. This will enable consumers to make informed choices and support Indian artisans who are committed to preserving their cultural heritage. The successful implementation of the intellectual property provisions within the India-UK FTA will require close collaboration between government agencies, industry associations, and cultural organizations. This includes strengthening enforcement mechanisms, raising awareness among consumers and businesses, and promoting ethical sourcing practices. The FTA serves as a catalyst for promoting sustainable and responsible trade practices that respect cultural heritage and empower local communities. By safeguarding India's cultural heritage and intellectual property, the FTA contributes to the long-term sustainability of Indian crafts and textiles, ensuring that these traditions continue to thrive for generations to come. This emphasis on preserving and promoting India’s cultural identity goes beyond economic considerations; it acknowledges the intrinsic value of cultural heritage and its role in shaping national identity and fostering social cohesion.
Source: Kolhapuris To Banarsis: How Trade Deal With UK Put "Brand India" On Global Map