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The UK is the 16th largest trading partner in India and India is the 11th larger of the UK.
FTA may increase enlarged exchange programs.
Experts answer other questions to reduce students’ anxiety.
UK-India Free Trade Agreement: Britain and India have agreed to a business deal to make goods cheaper and benefit the economies of both the country. Last year, trade between the UK and India is expected to increase a total of 42 billion pounds and the UK-India trade deal is expected to increase by 25.5 billion. It took three and a half years to sign the agreement.
Britain is the 16th largest trading partner in India and India is the 11th largest partner in Britain. More than 90 percent of products have been affected by the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.
India has reduced the taxes vested on the UK on various products:
- Electric machinery
- Aerospace
- Cosmetics
- Scotch whiskey, gin and soft drinks
- Lamb, including salmon, chocolate and biscuits
- Medical equipment
- High cost cars
The UK has reduced the taxes vested on India on various products:
- Jewelry and gems
- Food products including frozen shrimp
- clothes and shoes
- Some cars
The FTA can help in having a strong relationship between institutions in India and the UK that can enhance increased exchange programs, joint research initiatives and potentially more favorable visa system for students.
Here, we talk to some experts who explain how India-UK FTA will benefit students:
Why. Will Indian students benefit from the UK-India Free Trade Agreement?
Answer: “Yes, the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has the ability to benefit Indian students by promoting close educational and professional relations between the two countries. While FTA mainly addresses trade and financial support, its provisions can indirectly open new opportunities for Indian students in the UK.”
Q. In which ways can compromise create opportunities for Indian students?
Answer: Mr. Subramaniam said that the UK-India FTA can create many opportunities for Indian students:
- Promoted educational cooperation: Agreement can encourage partnership between Indian and UK universities, which can lead to joint degree program, research cooperation and student exchange initiative.
- Scholarship and Financial Assistance: FTA can pave the way for more scholarship opportunities and financial assistance for Indian students, which can make Britain’s education more accessible.
- Streamlined visa procedure: Better diplomatic relations can cause more efficient visa processing and can be potentially more favorable post-study work visa policies for Indian students.
Q. Do FTAs include student visa policies?
Answer: Yathrtha Gulati, co-founder of Rostrum Education, said, “No. FTA does not include student visa rules. Immigration policies remain under the UK domestic law and are not directly affected by trade agreement.”
Q. How can the agreement create opportunities for Indian students?
Answer: The education expert gave a detailed answer, stating that the FTA opens the doors:
- Professional Mobility: Easy access to UK job markets, especially in areas such as IT, finance and engineering;
- Academic collaboration: Increase in participation between UK and Indian institutions, leading to more exchange programs and joint research initiatives.
- Financial relief: Exemption from some contributions reduces financial burden on Indian students.
Q. Has the changing immigration policy made the UK less attractive for Indian students?
Answer: “Yes. The expansion of 2024 sanctions on dependents for most international students and the requirement of Residency for permanent disposal for 5 to 10 years has made the UK less attractive. These changes have led to a significant decline in Indian student visa applications,” Mr. Gulati said.
Q. So can FTA revive interest in studies there?
Answer: “Possibly, the UK-India FTA can rule the interest of Indian students in studying in the UK by addressing some concerns arising from recent immigration policy changes. By promoting strong educational relationships, recognizing professional qualifications, and possibly affecting more student-friendly visa policies, FTA can increase the entire appeal of FTA UK education.
“However, to effectively revive interest for FTA, it must be complemented by tangible policy adjustment that directly benefits students, such as reducing financial obstacles and providing a clear passage to the post-graduate. A holistic approach that combines FTA’s strategic purposes with student-centric policies, will be interested in reinforcing the UK.”
