Piyush Goyal Embarks on UK Visit to Strengthen Economic Ties, Accelerate India–UK FTA Rollout

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal is currently on a two-day official visit to the United Kingdom from June 18 to 19, with the agenda of advancing economic cooperation and expediting the execution of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The visit comes after the successful conclusion of the India–UK FTA was jointly announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on May 6.

“Goyal’s visit aims to accelerate bilateral engagements, harness emerging opportunities, and lay a robust foundation for a forward-looking, resilient, and mutually beneficial economic relationship,” the Commerce Ministry said in a statement.

Reviewing the FTA Progress and Trade Roadmap

As part of the visit, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal is set to meet with UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds. The discussion will focus on reviewing the ongoing FTA negotiations and setting out a time-bound roadmap to implement the agreement efficiently.

Financial Dialogue with UK Chancellor

Goyal will also engage in talks with UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves to enhance financial cooperation, explore investment opportunities, and build momentum for deeper capital flows between both nations.

Fostering Innovation and Cultural Partnerships

In a bid to explore new areas of collaboration, Goyal will meet with UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy. The conversation will revolve around establishing partnerships in the creative industries, media, and innovation-led sectors, all of which are gaining strategic importance in global trade ecosystems.

IGF Sessions and Strategic Roundtables

Goyal is scheduled to participate in multiple sessions at the India Global Forum (IGF), a high-level platform for India–UK cooperation. One key session will be a roundtable titled ‘From Agreement to Action: UK–India FTA’, which will include global business leaders and investors to deliberate on actionable steps for trade expansion.

Promoting Cross-Border Investment Through CEO Meets

To boost business-to-business relations, Goyal will interact with CEOs and top industry leaders across key sectors such as fintech, logistics, shipping, and advanced manufacturing. These engagements aim to foster cross-border investments, drive innovation partnerships, and reinforce mutual trust in trade practices.

Strategic Vision for a New Trade Era

This high-profile visit underlines India’s growing emphasis on turning its traditional trade relationship with the UK into a comprehensive, resilient, and future-ready economic alliance. The focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and sectoral collaboration positions the FTA as a model for next-gen bilateral agreements.

Conclusion 

Piyush Goyal's two-day visit to the United Kingdom marks a pivotal step in enhancing the strategic and economic ties between India and the UK. With the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) entering its final stages post the May 6 announcement by PM Modi and PM Keir Starmer, the visit aims to bring momentum to its implementation.

Goyal’s meetings with key British officials, including Jonathan Reynolds, Rachel Reeves, and Lisa Nandy, underscore India’s commitment to fostering deeper trade, investment, and cultural ties. His participation in the India Global Forum and interaction with top CEOs from fintech, logistics, and manufacturing sectors highlight India's proactive approach toward building a future-ready economic partnership.

By aligning mutual interests in innovation, regulation, and inclusivity, this visit reflects India’s broader vision of transforming global partnerships through collaboration and local empowerment. It reinforces India’s resolve to not only expand its global footprint but also shape resilient and mutually beneficial trade ecosystems.