House of Lords opens inquiry into UK-India FTA deal
The House of Lords’ International Agreements Committee has this week launched a formal inquiry into the recently concluded UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), seeking evidence from stakeholders and experts on its potential implications for Britain. The move comes as part of the parliamentary procedure under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act, which requires scrutiny of international treaties before ratification.
Scope and Objectives of the inquiry
The Committee’s investigation will encompass a broad evaluation of the FTA’s impacts, with particular attention to several defined areas:
• The benefits and risks of the agreement for the UK
• Effects on different UK sectors and regions
• Consumer impacts, including price, choice, and quality
• Broader economic, social, and environmental consequences
• How the FTA aligns with UK trade, industrial, and environmental strategies
• The agreement’s effect on the UK-India bilateral relationship
• And its place in the wider geopolitical landscape.
The Committee is encouraging submissions from a diverse range of individuals and organisations, including businesses, civil society, economists, environmental experts, and trade bodies. Written submissions are to be received by 14 October 2025 . Following that, selected witnesses will be invited to give oral evidence.
Background on the UK-India FTA
Negotiations between the UK and India concluded in principle on 6 May 2025, and the agreement was formally signed in London on 24 July 2025 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. The UK government has characterised the deal as a “landmark agreement,” projecting long-term gains including an increase in UK GDP of approximately £4.8 billion per year and bilateral trade rising by £25.5 billion annually in the long run. Other benefits cited include boosts to wages in the UK and reduced tariff barriers for UK exporters especially in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, medical devices, cosmetics, whisky, gin, and agricultural products.
India, for its part, has agreed to reduce or remove tariffs on about 90% of UK goods lines, with 85% becoming duty-free over a ten-year schedule. Certain sensitive sectors are excluded or phased; for example, India’s tariffs on whisky and gin are to be halved from very high rates, then reduced further over time. Automotive tariffs are also being reduced significantly under quota mechanisms.
Why the Scrutiny Matters
Although the FTA has been signed, it is not yet in force. It must undergo legal verification of the text, full parliamentary ratification, and fulfilment of any domestic legislative requirements in both countries. The Lords’ inquiry is part of the UK parliamentary scrutiny before final ratification. The inquiry is likely to surface both opportunities such as access to India’s fast-growing markets and larger middle class and concerns, including effects on UK industries facing increased import competition, environmental standards, regulatory impacts, and revenue losses from tariff reductions. Environmental, social, and regional equity impacts are likely to receive close attention.
Those interested in contributing evidence have until 4:00 pm on 14 October 2025 to submit written comments. After that, the International Agreements Committee will select a group of witnesses to provide oral evidence. Ultimately, the inquiry’s findings will be compiled into a report to be laid before Parliament, which the government must consider in the ratification process.