UK seeks Scotch Whisky concessions in India-UK FTA deal

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds concluded two days of trade negotiations on Tuesday under the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) but refrained from setting a timeline for the deal. Trade talks resumed after months of delay due to the formation of new governments in both countries.

Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Reynolds expressed confidence in securing better market conditions for Scotch whisky in the FTA, stating, “I am really confident that as part of the effective agreement, we can absolutely get the right market conditions for Scotch whisky.”

The UK’s Scotch whisky industry has urged India to lower the 150 percent import tariff, a key demand in the broader trade deal. Reynolds acknowledged India’s recent decision to reduce tariffs on American bourbon whisky from 150 percent to 100 percent and emphasised that the UK is looking for similar or better concessions.

“The share for the Scotch whisky market is significantly larger than that of bourbon whisky. We are seeking greater market access for this iconic product, which we are very proud of, and to reach a mutually beneficial agreement,” Reynolds stated.

India is the largest whisky market globally and was the top volume market for Scotch whisky exports from the UK in 2024.