India-UK Relations Post-FTA: Geopolitical Implications for UPSC Mains: Sample Q&A

Diplomatic Breakthroughs
Historic FTA: Concluded May 2024 – boosts trade by £25 billion/year, creates £4.8B UK GDP growth.
Counter-Terror Unity: Jaishankar’s “zero tolerance” stance; UK backs India on cross-border terrorism.
Tech Security Initiative (TSI): Joint R&D in AI, semiconductors, quantum tech, and critical minerals.

Why This Matters for Exams
Economic Transformation:
FTA grants India zero-duty access for industrial goods; eliminates tariffs on 99%+ UK agri-products.
UK is India’s 6th largest investor; India is UK’s 2nd-largest FDI source.
Strategic Dialogues:
Double Taxation Avoidance Pact: Prevents fiscal evasion.
Strategic Exports & Tech Cooperation: Eases licensing for emerging tech trade.

Key Challenges & Context
Balancing Act: UK’s May 2024 Pakistan visit (ceasefire endorsement) vs. India’s terror concerns.
Trade Asymmetry: UK exports $512B goods (US/China focus); India constitutes just 1.8% of UK imports.
Cultural Pact: May 2024 agreement boosts creative industries, museums, and tourism.
Long-Term Implications
Supply Chain Resilience: FTA strengthens Indo-Pacific value chains.
Tech Sovereignty: TSI reduces dependency on China for critical tech.
Global Standing: First P-5 Foreign Minister visit post-India-Pakistan hostilities.
 

5 Sample Q&A for UPSC Prelims/Mains
Q1: What economic boost will the India-UK FTA provide annually?
A: £25 billion trade increase, £4.8B UK GDP growth.
Q2: Name two strategic tech areas under the India-UK TSI.
A: Semiconductors and quantum computing.
Q3: How does India’s stance on terrorism affect UK relations?
A: India demands no “perpetrator-victim equivalence” – UK publicly backs this policy.
Q4: What % of UK imports come from India?
A: 1.8% ($15.3B) – highlights FTA’s growth potential.
Q5: Which cultural agreement preceded the FTA?
A: UK-India Programme of Cultural Cooperation (May 2024).