First UK-Bound Cargo Under India-UK Free Trade Agreement Departs from Amritsar Airport
Amritsar Airport News
India marked an important milestone in international trade as the first cargo shipment to the United Kingdom under the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was flagged off from the cargo terminal at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar. The shipment marks the beginning of the operational implementation of the landmark trade agreement between the two countries.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by officials from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), representatives from the airport’s cargo department, and exporters. The event highlighted the government’s efforts to boost Indian exports and strengthen trade relations with the United Kingdom.
During the ceremony, officials demonstrated the complete cargo handling process, including packing, security scanning, and loading of cargo containers before the shipment was officially sent to the UK. The event symbolized the start of a new phase in India-UK trade under the recently signed Free Trade Agreement.
Speaking at the event, Aditya Singh Chauhan, Deputy Director of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), said the agreement would provide a major boost to Indian exporters. According to him, nearly 99 percent of Indian products will now enjoy zero-duty access to the UK market under the new trade agreement.
He explained that before the FTA, products such as ready-made garments were subject to import duties ranging from 12 percent to 20 percent in the UK. These duties made Indian products less competitive compared to goods from countries with lower tariffs. With the removal of these import duties, Indian exporters are expected to benefit from lower costs and improved competitiveness in the British market.
The first shipment sent under the agreement consisted of ready-made garments, one of India’s important export sectors. Officials believe that the elimination of customs duties will encourage more textile manufacturers and exporters to expand their business in the UK.
Azad Singh, In-charge of Amritsar Cargo, said exports from Amritsar to the United Kingdom were already taking place before the agreement. However, the new zero-tariff arrangement is expected to attract many more exporters by making international trade more profitable and accessible.
He added that Amritsar Cargo handles a wide variety of export products. Besides ready-made garments, the airport regularly exports sports goods, engineering products, and agricultural produce. Popular agricultural exports include Alphonso and Kesar mangoes, baby corn, green chillies, and other fresh vegetables that are shipped to international markets.
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement is expected to create new business opportunities for exporters, especially in Punjab and northern India. Lower trade barriers can help Indian companies increase sales, reach more customers, and strengthen their presence in one of the world’s major consumer markets.
Trade experts believe the agreement will also support employment by increasing production in export-oriented industries such as textiles, agriculture, food processing, engineering, and manufacturing. As export demand grows, businesses may expand operations and create additional job opportunities.
The launch of the first cargo shipment also demonstrates the important role of airports like Amritsar in supporting India’s export economy. Efficient cargo handling, modern logistics infrastructure, and faster transportation services help exporters deliver products to global markets more quickly.
Government officials have expressed confidence that the India-UK FTA will significantly strengthen economic relations between the two countries. By reducing tariffs on most Indian products, the agreement is expected to increase bilateral trade, encourage investment, and improve cooperation across several sectors.
The successful departure of the first UK-bound cargo from Amritsar Airport marks the practical beginning of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement. As more exporters take advantage of the zero-duty benefits, the agreement is expected to boost India’s export growth, improve the competitiveness of Indian products, and create new opportunities for businesses across the country.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
