Scottish food and drink businesses are set to gain new
opportunities to sell their products in India thanks to a senior
UK Government trade mission kicking off today [Monday 12
October].
Salmon Scotland, the Scotch Whisky Association and a number of
Scottish companies, including Walker's Shortbread, will join
Scottish Secretary and two senior Cabinet
colleagues on the trip to Delhi and Mumbai. Scottish entrepreneur
and Apprentice star Mike Soutar is also on board, as is a
delegation of seven mayors from the North of England, and a range
of businesses from all parts of the UK.
The mission comes just after the new, landmark, UK-India trade
deal came into effect. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement came
into force on 15 July 2026, delivering a £190 million boost to
the Scottish economy, and cutting whisky tariffs from 150% to 40%
over ten years.
Now, the UK Government is helping Scots turn the deal into real
business wins, by opening doors, providing regulatory access,
market insight and high-level introductions. The co-ordinated
activity will maximise support for business across the UK.
India is the world's largest whisky market by volume, with the
Scotch Whisky Association reporting that more than 220 million
bottles are exported every year. The whisky industry supports
41,000 jobs in Scotland and a further 25,000 jobs across the UK -
right across farming, distilling and logistics.
On the Scottish Secretary's three-day visit, he will meet Indian
government ministers, business leaders and regulators, to help
Scottish companies seize the opportunities offered by one of the
world's fastest-growing consumer markets.
Secretary of State for Scotland said:
Scotland's food and drink sector is world class, and this year
the UK Government has secured real, practical wins that are
opening up new markets for our exporters including cutting
whisky, soft drink and salmon tariffs in the India trade deal.
Now, I want to make sure Scottish companies can turn those wins
into real contracts and real growth, by helping them navigate the
valuable Indian market. That's why I'm joining Cabinet colleagues
and a number of Scottish businesses in India.
Scotland's success in markets like India is supported by the
strength, reach and influence that come from being part of the
UK. Boosting export opportunities and encouraging inward
investment in Scotland means real benefits back at home in
economic growth and jobs.
Member of the UK Government's Board of Trade Mike Soutar said:
Scotland has so many iconic products to offer, from salmon, to
whisky and shortbread our trade deal with India is helping
businesses in these sectors expand. By bringing Scottish
businesses directly to India, we can open more doors to turn
opportunities into exports, support jobs and drive growth across
communities.
As well as Mr Alexander, the UK Government ministerial delegation
will consist of Secretary of State for Business and Trade () and the Secretary of
State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ().
While in India, Mr Alexander will also meet key players in the
defence and life sciences sectors, including:
- Scottish life sciences company Microbira, which has a
significant Indian operation.
- Indian pharmaceutical company Piramal Pharma which employs
more than 300 people at its drug development and manufacturing
facility in Grangemouth. In 2023 the company invested £45 million
in the site.
- Rolls Royce, which has a significant defence and aerospace
manufacturing operation in Scotland, and is working with the
Indian military to provide high end defence equipment.
