A £1bn trade mission to India is expected to create hundreds of UK jobs and open new opportunities for businesses across the country.
More than 100 companies are taking part in the visit to Delhi and Mumbai, alongside ministers, northern mayors and a combined authority leader. The mission follows the UK-India free trade agreement, which came into force in July 2025.
AI, aviation and exports lead the deals
Meta for Data Technologies plans to invest £50m in the UK, creating 500 jobs in London and Manchester through an AI and data research centre, an engineering and AI hub, and a quantum computing lab in Greater Manchester.
Menzies Aviation has secured a 15-year ground handling licence at India’s largest domestic cargo facility in Bengaluru. The UK company expects the deal to generate more than £600m in revenue.
Children’s clothing brand Angel & Rocket also plans to open 100 Indian stores over five years, with estimated revenue of £43m.
Lower tariffs are giving Scottish whisky, salmon and products such as shortbread better access to Indian customers. Scientific links are also growing, with Oxford Nanopore set to launch a Centre for Excellence in Hyderabad, while Cambridge-based Panakeia is expanding its AI-powered breast cancer diagnosis technology into India.
Why it matters for Britain
The agreements offer practical benefits for UK firms, including new jobs in London and Greater Manchester, export growth for Scottish producers and wider opportunities for British technology and consumer brands.
