#JETCO 2026 concludes in New Delhi today, it is worth taking a moment to recognise the extraordinary effort that has gone into reaching this milestone. JETCO will play a vital role in turning the ambition of the UK-India economic partnership into practical progress for businesses. By bringing government and industry together, it has provided a valuable forum to identify opportunities, address market access challenges and ensure that the voice of industry remains at the heart of the bilateral relationship. Since March 2026, six sector working groups have come together to develop a focused set of high-impact recommendations aimed at improving market access, facilitating investment, strengthening policy and regulatory cooperation, and unlocking new commercial opportunities across the UK-India corridor. ➡️Advanced Manufacturing ➡️Construction, Infrastructure & Clean Energy ➡️Consumer Goods, Food & Drink ➡️Creative, Sport & Education ➡️Financial & Professional Business Services ➡️Science, Life Sciences & Technology UK India Business Council is proud to have supported this process by bringing industry expertise, market insight and trusted relationships to help turn ambition into action. What is reflected in the final reports is only a fraction of all the work that went into producing them. Across approximately 50 meetings, countless hours of discussion, drafting, consultation and collaboration, all our members worked diligently to identify industry priorities and develop practical, actionable recommendations. 👏A huge thank you to all our Working Group Chairs for their leadership, perseverance, time and commitment throughout this process. Bringing together diverse perspectives, building consensus and driving meaningful outcomes is never easy, and these reports are stronger because of your dedication. Your efforts will help to ensure that industry priorities are clearly articulated and positioned to support the next phase of the UK-India economic partnership. Click here to see all the #SectorWorkingGroup reports 👉 lnkd.in/eGx-imHy

On 22 September, Stephen Crispp, Director of Government Relations and Membership Services, spoke at the South Yorkshire International Trade Conference 2026. He outlined the many opportunities afforded by the UK India FTA / CETA for companies looking to export and invest into India and some of the opportunities for the Great North Mayoral Delegation. In a Q and A he stated: "India has the world's biggest population, fastest growth, largest consumer market, largest and fastest growing middle class, and a huge demographic advantage.  UK investors simply have to take India seriously".

Data is increasingly becoming the infrastructure underpinning UK–India trade. From financial services and healthcare to technology, GCCs, professional services and AI, businesses are moving more data across borders and using it to deliver increasingly sophisticated services. India’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act establishes a framework for the processing and protection of personal data, with important implications for businesses operating across the UK–India corridor. Against this backdrop, UKIBC launched “Tech Talk with UKIBC: DPDP Edition”, an interview series exploring the evolving data protection landscape: lnkd.in/erZsAuRW. Following the launch of the series, we brought the conversation into a roundtable discussion, moderated by Richard McCallum, Senior Advisor, UKIBC, bringing together industry experts and members to explore what businesses can do to prepare for and comply with the DPDP framework, as well as the implications of non-compliance, including potential litigation and financial penalties. A key takeaway was the need for businesses to take DPDP compliance as priority and proactively embed data protection into their operations and digital strategies. We would like to thank our members Dentons Link Legal for hosting us and our panel speakers for sharing their expertise and perspectives, making for a valuable and insightful discussion.

UKIBC hosted its Aerospace & Defence Industry Group (ADIG) meeting in New Delhi, bringing together members and key stakeholders from the UK–India defence ecosystem. The meeting covered updates on UK–India defence relations, Roadmap for India-UK Defence Industrial Cooperation, Farnborough International Air Show 2026, and updates and perspectives from ADIG members. Thank you to all our speakers and members for an engaging discussion and for continuing to strengthen collaboration across the UK–India aerospace and defence sector. #UKIndia #UKIBC #Aerospace #Defence #DefenceIndustry #ADIG

UKIBC is delighted to form a strategic partnership with The Great North to support the first-ever joint Northern mayoral mission to India. The UK - India trade agreement has opened up exciting opportunities for businesses and regions across the UK. The focus is now on turning this potential into meaningful outcomes through stronger trade, investment and long-lasting economic partnerships. The mission, taking place from 12 - 16 October, will bring together #Northern #Mayors, businesses, universities and civic leaders to strengthen ties with one of the world's fastest growing economies. As strategic and knowledge partner and programme manager for The Great North's India programme, UKIBC will work closely with regions across the North to help identify opportunities, build market strategies, foster relationships and create impactful engagements in India. The North of England is home to world class strengths in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, life sciences, digital and technology, financial services and creative industries. By combining the collective strength of the North with the unique capabilities of individual regions, this mission aims to create lasting economic value on both sides.

Last week, as a proud Partner of the #Scotland–India #Business #Forum 2026, UK India Business Council was delighted to support a landmark event strengthening Scotland–India economic ties following the UK–India CETA. The event opened with keynote addresses from senior leaders from the Scottish and Indian Governments, setting the stage for a day focused on strengthening bilateral economic ties. UKIBC was proud to play a central role throughout the programme by: - Launching our latest research report for the Scottish Government on opportunities in India. - Sharing insights on where Scotland's strengths align with India's growing market. - Moderating discussions offering practical guidance for Scottish businesses looking to enter and grow in India. The session explored opportunities across trade, investment, life sciences, food & drink, innovation and long-term partnerships. A big thank you to our partners, speakers and delegates for making the Forum a success. We look forward to continuing to strengthen Scotland–India trade and investment. #ScotlandIndia #UKIndia #Trade #Investment #CETA #Innovation #UKIBC Richard Rollison | Kumaran Periasamy | Stephen Flynn | Harsh Sanghavi Nandita Sahgal | Bhaskar Thota | Nidhi Mani Tripathi | David Barnes | Amanda Brooks CB CBE | John P. | Reuben Aitken | Charandeep Singh BEM | Tavish Scott | Raghav Singhal | Sanjeev Vijh | Frank Bugg | Dr Chris Cook | Gopalan Rajagopalan

The past year has marked a significant step forward for the UK–India partnership. With the Entry into Force of the UK–India #CETA and a renewed roadmap for collaboration through to 2035, the two countries are strengthening cooperation across critical and emerging technologies. This year also marks the second anniversary of the UK–India Technology and Security Initiative (#TSI)—an important milestone in the bilateral partnership. Looking ahead, there is a strong opportunity to build on this momentum and deepen collaboration between government and industry in areas that will define the future of technology. This Friday in New Delhi, UKIBC's UK–India Technology and Security Initiative (#TSI) Reception will bring together leaders from across the UK and India to discuss the priorities and opportunities that will shape the next phase of the TSI—an initiative set to play an important role in advancing UK–India tech diplomacy and strengthening cooperation across the wider Indo-Pacific.

The #UKIndiaFTA is now #Live With bilateral trade already valued at £48 billion, this landmark agreement is set to unlock billions more in economic opportunities. Today's milestone is the result of years of dedication, collaboration, and sustained effort. As India's most comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (#FTA) to date, the #UKIndiaFTA will drive growth, create jobs, expand business opportunities, and strengthen the economic partnership between the UK and India for years to come.

We are few days away from the UK-India Comprehensive Trade Agreement, entering into force. The deal, which is the most comprehensive ever agreed by India, could boost UK GDP by £4.8bn, real wages by £2.2bn and bilateral trade by £25.5bn every year in the long run. UKIBC is on a mission to grow the UK-India trade and investment. To do that, we provide strategic and practical support to businesses and universities to explore, enter, and expand in both markets. #CETA #UKIndiaFTA #SavetheDate #UKIBC

The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) was pleased to host a delegation of senior faculty from University College London (@ucl ) during its recent visit to India. As part of our ongoing programme to support leading UK universities in strengthening engagement with Indian industry, we brought together a select group of senior HR and talent leaders for an interactive High Tea discussion with UCL leaders. The session provided a valuable platform to explore graduate employability, evolving workforce needs, skills development, and opportunities for deeper industry–academia collaboration. As one of the world’s leading research universities, UCL’s engagement highlights the growing importance of UK–India partnerships in shaping future talent, driving innovation, and building stronger connections between higher education and industry. Thank you to all participants for sharing their perspectives and insights. We look forward to continuing to foster meaningful collaborations between UK institutions and Indian businesses. #UKIBC #UKIndia #HigherEducation #IndustryAcademia #UCL #TalentDevelopment #SkillsForTheFuture #UKIndiaPartnership #Education #Collaboration

Introducing UKIBC FTA Trade Talk – Policy to Practice — a new interview series bringing together expert voices from across the UKIBC network to unpack the opportunities, implications, and practical realities of the UK–India Comprehensive Economic & Trade Agreement (CETA) As businesses across both markets prepare for the next phase of UK–India economic engagement, this series aims to move the conversation from policy to action — offering timely insights, strategic perspectives, and on-the-ground expertise. In Episode 2, Richard McCallum discussed the growing importance of the UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a catalyst for deeper defence and aerospace cooperation between the two countries. The conversation highlighted how the agreement could move the partnership beyond traditional trade relationships towards long-term strategic collaboration, co-development, and co-production: lnkd.in/en7GdxWY

UKIBC was delighted to support the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants & CIMA RISE 2040 Conference in Bangalore. The event brought together CFOs and business leaders from across India to discuss the future of the accounting and finance profession. UKIBC’s Senior Advisor Richard McCallum spoke on the GCC Panel: India’s Next Decade. According to nasscom there are now 2,117 GCCs in India. UK headquartered companies account for over 130 centres – second only to those from the USA – and employ approximately 200,000 people in India. The panel discussed emerging trends in the macro #GCC landscape including: the role of AI, talent development, the GCC maturity arc and the impact of fast-changing geopolitical environment. Richard McCallum | Venkkat Ramanan | Ajay Lalwani

Thrilled to see our #Agrifood and #Drinks sector expert Shubhi Mishra sharing her invaluable insights with DBT and industry colleagues, sparking meaningful discussions on alcobev opportunities. With extensive expertise in policies, regulations, and market dynamics - for her it’s always a delight to sit and talk with like-minded stakeholders. With #CETA on the horizon, we’re excited for the doors they’ll open between economies—unlocking trade, innovation, and growth. Can’t wait for this chapter to unfold! What alcobev policy trends are you watching? Let’s connect. #Alcobev #FTA #IndiaTrade #ExportExcellence #Bilateraltrade #UKIndia #incredibleindia

India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing sector is at a critical turning point. In a candid conversation, Kishore Jayaraman, OBE, Group CEO, UK India Business Council, shares why India has moved beyond cost advantages, what it takes to become a global manufacturing leader, and why co-creation and quality will define the next phase. India’s manufacturing journey has often been seen through the lens of “potential.” But according to Kishore Jayaraman, Group CEO, UK India Business Council, that narrative is now changing from aspiration to execution. See the full article below: lnkd.in/gJmBjVDF

Exciting step forward for UK–India collaboration UK India Business Council has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with @TWorksHyd Foundation, a leading Manufacturing Innovation Incubation Cell for industries & promoting Startup & MSME Innovation through being India's largest prototyping centre, Government of Telangana works to encourage Startups and MSMEs in various sectors such as Electronics, Aerospace, Defence, Agriculture, Health, Environment and Textiles. This collaboration will enable UK businesses to ideate, prototype, and scale in India, while opening global opportunities for Indian startups and MSMEs. Looking forward to driving innovation and building stronger cross-border ecosystems together. Look at the full statement here: lnkd.in/ey4vQUE6 #UKIndia #Innovation #Manufacturing #Collaboration Kishore Jayaraman, OBE | Gareth Wynn Owen | Joginder Tanikella | British High Commission in India

We are pleased to announce that UK India Business Council (UKIBC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with @TheCityUK in Delhi. Headquartered in London, @TheCityUK is the industry-led body representing UK-based financial and related professional services (FRPS). The sector it represents is a vital national asset, contributing 12% of the UK’s total economic output and employing nearly 2.5 million people, with around two-thirds of these roles based outside London across the UK’s regions and nations. This MOU marks an important step forward in strengthening UK–India collaboration across key areas including: - Green and Sustainable Finance - Capital Markets Connectivity - Insurance - Policy advocacy and more We look forward to working closely together to unlock new opportunities and drive impactful partnerships across both markets. Kishore Jayaraman, OBE | Zhouchen Mao, PhD | Nicola Watkinson (she/her)

We held our 3rd Annual Dialogue on Future of Work, in New Delhi. The engaging session brought together representation from leaders from #government, #industry, and #academia to explore how the #UK and #India can collaboratively shape a future-ready workforce. The session highlighted opportunities for co-creation and co-development through embedded education programmes, apprenticeships and internships, stronger industry–academia linkages, and a greater role for industry associations in enabling real-world learning experiences for students. It also emphasised strengthened STEM collaboration and the imperative of co-existing with AI. Some of the themes that emerged were- #Learning #to #Learn- Upskilling for middle management, Flexibility- Bringing new mothers back into workforce, Acknowledging that AI conversation can be limited to “creamy layer” of the workforce and efforts on digital literacy need to be more inclusive. We were honoured to hear special remarks from Dr. (Mrs.) Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, Association Of Indian Universities, who underscored the need for curricula to evolve in line with technological change. We extend our sincere thanks to all our speakers and UKIBC members for their valuable insights, which made the discussion well-rounded, engaging, and forward-looking. With the UK–India FTA opening up deeper conversations around skilling, mobility, and mutual recognition of qualifications, the Dialogue reaffirmed a shared commitment to building a more agile, future-ready workforce. Nitin Razdan | Monika Rawat | Deep Narayan | Sundeep Jakhar | Abhilash Nair | Girish Balachandran | Karam Grover | Prashant Gupta | Mansi Goyal Kishore Jayaraman, OBE | Surbhi Mathur | Nishtha Grover | Ananyaa Girhotra | Astha Katyayan | Amanpreet Singh