India and the UK are targeting deeper cooperation in electronics manufacturing, supply chains and semiconductor R&D under their trade pact, as both countries aim to double bilateral trade by 2030.
India and the UK have identified electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), batteries and precision engineering as priority areas for advanced manufacturing and supply-chain cooperation under their trade pact. The collaboration aims to strengthen manufacturing capabilities and build more resilient supply chains.
The countries have also identified semiconductors, quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) as priority areas for research and development (R&D). Universities, research institutions, technology companies and start-ups could collaborate to advance these technologies.
India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal identified smartphones among India’s export opportunities, while electronics and electrical equipment feature among the UK’s potential exports to India. Machinery parts and automobile components are other Indian export opportunities highlighted by Goyal.
Jonathan Reynolds, the UK’s Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, said India and the UK aim to double bilateral trade by 2030 by tapping opportunities created by their trade agreement. He made the statement at the 16th meeting of the India–UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), which he co-chaired with Goyal.
The countries have agreed to exchange data annually on businesses’ use of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), beginning one year after it comes into force. The data will track how frequently businesses claim preferential tariffs, while feedback will help identify areas where companies need support. The initiative aims to help more businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, benefit from the agreement.
The two countries have also identified clean energy, infrastructure and financial services as areas for cooperation. The next JETCO meeting is scheduled to take place in the UK in 2027.
