Whisky chiefs raise glass as Starmer's India deal is 'signed, sealed, delivered'

WHISKY chiefs have welcomed a multi-billion pound free trade deal signed with India that will see export tariffs on the product halved.

- By Richard Elias

Sir Keir Starmer welcomed his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to sign the deal yesterday, after three years of talks between the two nations.

It was made possible thanks to the UK leaving the EU, and will also provide a major boost to the British car industry.

Speaking at the signing at his country residence Chequers, Sir Keir said it was “the biggest and most economically significant” trade deal the UK has made since Brexit.

“This deal is now signed, sealed, delivered,” he said.

Indian textiles and jewellery will be cheaper to export to the UK under the agreement, which also includes new measures to tackle illegal migration.

However, opponents have warned the deal could undercut British workers due to extended social security terms — a claim described as “completely wrong” by UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.