Scotch Whisky Association joins Prime Minister’s trade mission to India
A new chapter is opening for Scotland’s iconic whisky industry as a Prime Minister-led trade mission heads to India this week. The visit highlights the major opportunities created by the landmark UK–India trade deal, which is expected to boost the Scottish economy by an estimated £190 million each year.
Scotch whisky stands out as one of the biggest beneficiaries of this historic agreement — the most ambitious deal any nation has reached with India, the world’s fourth-largest economy. Under the deal, India’s import tariffs on Scotch whisky will be significantly reduced, paving the way for an expected £1 billion surge in annual sales and expanding Scotch’s presence in what is already the largest whisky market in the world.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, alongside representatives from the Scotch Whisky Association and key producers, will accompany the Prime Minister on this trade mission. The delegation will meet with senior Indian government officials and leading business figures to strengthen trade and diplomatic ties — ensuring Scotland’s whisky industry can make the most of this game-changing agreement.
“The historic trade deal the UK Government struck with India this year is great news for Scotland and especially our whisky industry. But, having secured the deal, our challenge and responsibility now is to put this deal into action. That requires implementation of the deal by the governments of India and the UK, and the utilisation of the deal by British and Indian businesses.
“Leading this trade mission, the Prime Minister will be beating the drum for Scotland’s finest products. With the strength and support of the UK Government they can be world-reaching in terms of export markets.
“Over the last year, as Trade Minister, I’ve worked closely with the Scotch Whisky Association and other Scottish businesses. I understand the challenges they face and that this deal with India could be transformative for the industry over the long term. On this trade mission we will be looking to take full advantage of the opportunities this crucial trade deal brings for Scotland.”
Before being appointed Secretary of State for Scotland, Mr Alexander was Trade Policy Minister in the Department of Business and Trade and part of the team that helped secure the UK - India trade deal, as well as the trade deals with the US and EU”, - Mr. Alexander.
Mark Kent, Chief Executive at the Scotch Whisky Association, said:
“We’re delighted to join this visit following the efforts of the UK Government to secure the UK - India Free Trade Agreement, and look forward to its swift and smooth implementation. Delivering liberalised tariffs on all our exports to India will open up access to the world’s largest whisky market in the years to come and give greater choice to Indian consumers.” Photo by Jacek Halicki, Wikimedia commons.
