Export to India
Your gateway to one of the world's fastest-growing economies
Why India is your perfect export destination
India and the UK share powerful ties through people, ideas, institutions, language, and technology. These common links create a natural foundation for successful partnerships between British and Indian businesses of all sizes across all sectors. With 1.9 million people of Indian heritage calling the UK home, we have a unique 'living bridge' that facilitates trade and understanding.
India is the emerging superpower of the 21st century, the largest country in the world with 1.4 billion people and one of the fastest growing global economies. India is set to become the world's third-largest economy by 2028, opening a huge and growing market experiencing sustained strong growth. With a large youth demographic and a rising, more affluent middle class projected to reach 95 million by 2035. Their import demand is forecast to exceed £1.4 trillion by 2035, creating enormous opportunities for quality British goods and services.
The recently signed UK-India trade deal (24 July 2025), which is forecasted to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion yearly, is both India’s most comprehensive deal ever, and the UK’s most economically significant bilateral trade deal since leaving the EU. By unlocking new opportunities for businesses across the UK, this agreement helps to deliver economic growth and supports the Plan for Change.opens www.gov.uk in a new tab
As a result of this deal, businesses will now be able to trade with India with confidence and security – taking advantage of the huge opportunities offered by the complementary nature of our 2 economies and India’s rapid growth.
Supporting our trade ambitions with the new Trade Strategy
The UK's recently launched Trade Strategy will reinforce the government's commitment to support the UK's trade ambitions with free, open and fair trade. The trade strategy aims at protecting and boosting British businesses while complementing the benefits of the UK-India trade deal.
Read the new Trade Strategyopens www.gov.uk in a new tabSupercharging International Trade with UK Export Finance (UKEF)
The export credit agency plays a vital role in stimulating exports and enhancing accessibility for exporters of all sizes nationwide. Under the new trade strategy, UK Export Finance (UKEF) capacity has been expanded from £20 billion to £80 billion to support businesses capitalising on new global market opportunities.
Read more about UKEFopens www.gov.uk in a new tabStrategic sector opportunities aligned with our Trade Strategy
Advanced Manufacturingopens ditresearch.eu.qualtrics.com in a new tab
India, the world's fourth-largest automobile market, offers exceptional opportunities across vehicles, luxury cars, and electric mobility. India's ambitious 2030 EV targets align with UK clean energy manufacturing capabilities.
India's growing economy provides UK manufacturers opportunities to leverage high-end capabilities, diversify markets, reduce dependencies, and establish strategic partnerships in this fast-growing market.
Clean Energyopens bit.ly in a new tab
India, currently the third largest energy consumer globally, presents a dynamic and fast-growing market for global businesses seeking to expand globally in green technology and sustainable energy solutions. India is experiencing a rapid growth in overall energy demand, driven by its growing economy, population and ambitious renewable energy targets. The country's overall energy consumption is projected to triple by 2050.
Digital Technologiesopens bit.ly in a new tab
India is one of the world's fastest-growing technology markets, driven by government initiatives like Digital India and Make in India.
With over 5.4 million tech professionals and 99,000 recognised start-ups, India hosts the third-largest start-up ecosystem globally.
The industry is projected to reach $500 billion by 2030, offering significant collaboration opportunities.
Financial Servicesopens ditresearch.eu.qualtrics.com in a new tab
India’s financial services sector is rapidly expanding, fuelled by innovation, fintech growth, and regulatory support. With an 87% fintech adoption rate and booming Unified Payments Interface (UPI) usage, digital payments dominate.
The market, valued at $73 billion, offers high returns and opportunities in lending, wealth technology, blockchain, and digital onboarding, attracting global investors.
Healthcareopens bit.ly in a new tab
India is the world's largest generic drug provider, supplying 50% of global vaccine demand and 40% of US generics.
With 3,000 pharmaceutical companies and rapid biotech growth – 1,390 new startups in 2022 alone – India aims for 10,000 biotech startups by 2025.
The expanding medical devices market and digital healthcare initiatives like Ayushman Bharat offer significant opportunities.
Sustainable Infrastructureopens ditresearch.eu.qualtrics.com in a new tab
India's infrastructure sector offers exceptional sustainable investment opportunities. The world's second-largest network spans 6.67 million kilometres, with 60% expansion and 143% faster construction rates.
India's government prioritises green technologies, innovative financing models, and projects like Bharatmala Pariyojana targeting 34,800 km development worth INR 5.35 lakh crore (£53.5 billion), creating transformative economic connectivity and growth potential.
Interested in Department for Business and Trade's supported sector specific events?
Explore the Department for Business and Trade's comprehensive programme of India-focused events, connecting UK and Indian businesses to build strategic partnerships across key sectors.
Sources:
UK-India historic trade deal signed (24 July 2025)opens www.gov.uk in a new tab
Talks relaunch on India trade deal to boost UKs growth agendaopens www.gov.uk in a new tab
UK-India Free Trade Deal: A Deal For Growthopens www.gov.uk in a new tab
Two countries committed to shared economic growth
UK-India trade deal: conclusion summaryopens www.gov.uk in a new tab
New Trade Strategy to protect and boost British businessopens www.gov.uk in a new tab
India's Net Zero Emissions and Global Carbon Budgetopens coal.gov.in in a new tab
Roads and Highways Sector (Invest India)opens www.investindia.gov.in in a new tab
Ready to export to India?
The time is now. India's economy is growing faster than any other G20 nation, with enormous potential still to be unlocked. The Department for Business and Trade is committed to helping UK businesses succeed in India. With our comprehensive support network, proven expertise, and the unprecedented advantages of our Free Trade Agreement, we're here to guide your export journey at every step of the way.
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