India-UK Free Trade Agreement Signed: New Global Gateway for Chhattisgarh’s Farmers, Weavers & Youth

Raipur, July 26, 2025 – Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has hailed the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a “new chapter in India’s journey of growth” and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership.Speaking on the occasion, CM Sai said the agreement will not only expand India’s economic horizon, but more importantly, it will offer states like Chhattisgarh – which are rooted in agriculture, handicrafts, small-scale and cottage industries – a historic opportunity to become part of global trade.

Chief Minister Shri Sai highlighted that under the India-UK FTA, 99% of India’s exports to the UK will now get duty-free access. This, he said, will directly benefit farmers, MSMEs, artisans, weavers, and traditional product manufacturers. He further noted that the agreement is expected to unlock trade opportunities worth an estimated $23 billion.

Calling it a historic step, CM Sai said the FTA has brought new hope to agrarian and labour-intensive states like Chhattisgarh. He expressed confidence that the agreement will empower agriculture, strengthen local industries, and create new employment opportunities for youth. He also informed that the state government is actively working to equip local producers with global-standard training, quality control mechanisms, and export facilitation centres.

CM Vishnu Deo Sai extended heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Modi for this achievement, describing it as a testament to his visionary leadership, economic reforms, and commitment to making the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative a global movement.