India: A Market Too Big to Ignore? Reflections from the UK–India Roadshow 2026
David E. James — UK–India Roadshow 2026, Leeds, organised by the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
Last week I attended the UK–India Roadshow 2026 in Leeds, organised by the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
The event brought together UK businesses, trade specialists, government representatives and experienced exporters to explore what many speakers described as one of the most significant international trade opportunities currently available to UK companies.
As someone who has spent much of my career working internationally across the nonwovens, wipes, healthcare and manufacturing sectors, I found the day both informative and thought-provoking.
The UK–India Opportunity
The timing of the Roadshow is significant.
The forthcoming UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), due to enter into force in July 2026, is expected to reduce or eliminate tariffs on approximately 90% of UK exports to India. Speakers highlighted that current bilateral trade between the two countries is already valued at around £44 billion annually, with expectations of substantial growth in the coming years.
For many UK businesses, India represents a market of extraordinary scale.
With a population exceeding 1.4 billion people, a rapidly expanding middle class and projected GDP growth of approximately 6% per annum, India offers opportunities across a wide range of sectors including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, logistics, food and drink, automation and smart technologies.
India Is Not One Market
One of the strongest messages repeated throughout the day was that India should not be viewed as a single homogeneous market.
Several speakers stressed that “India is a lot of countries in one country.”
Businesses need to understand the differences between states, regions and cities. Success often comes from identifying specific geographic opportunities rather than attempting to address the entire nation at once.
For exporters, this means undertaking detailed market research and developing targeted strategies focused on particular states, sectors and customer groups.
Relationships Matter
Perhaps the most valuable takeaway from the event was the emphasis placed on relationship building.
Unlike some markets where transactions can be highly process-driven, India was consistently described as a relationship-based business environment.
Trust, credibility and personal engagement remain fundamental to success. Multiple speakers emphasised the importance of patience, regular engagement and investing time in building long-term partnerships. Trade missions, local representation and face-to-face meetings were repeatedly highlighted as critical success factors.
One experienced exporter summarised the approach simply:
Be patient. Build confidence. Invest time.
Opportunities for Manufacturing and Healthcare
Several presentations focused on India’s ambitions in advanced manufacturing, infrastructure development, automation, logistics and smart cities. Particular attention was given to sectors such as aerospace, automotive manufacturing and healthcare technologies.
For organisations operating in healthcare, infection prevention, medical devices, nonwovens and related sectors, there may be significant opportunities arising from tariff reductions and India’s continuing investment in healthcare infrastructure. Medical devices were specifically identified as a category benefiting from immediate tariff reductions under the FTA.
Support Available for UK Exporters
A useful reminder from the event was that businesses do not need to navigate the market alone.
The Department for Business and Trade offers extensive support through its Business Growth Service, Business Academy, overseas specialists and its network of offices across India. UK Export Finance can also assist companies seeking funding support for international growth.
For SMEs considering export opportunities, these resources can significantly reduce the barriers to entry.
My Key Takeaways
If I were to summarise the day in five points, they would be:
India represents one of the most significant growth opportunities currently available to UK exporters.
The UK–India Free Trade Agreement is likely to accelerate trade and investment between both countries.
India should be approached state-by-state and sector-by-sector rather than as a single market.
Relationships, trust and patience remain essential ingredients for success.
Businesses that invest time in understanding the market today may be well positioned for future growth.
Final Thoughts
The phrase I heard repeatedly throughout the Roadshow was:
India is a long-term opportunity.
For businesses prepared to take a strategic view, build relationships and invest in understanding the market, India offers considerable potential.
As a consultant working across healthcare, infection prevention, nonwovens and international business development, I will be following developments closely and exploring how these opportunities may be relevant to my clients and professional network.
The future of UK–India trade looks increasingly promising, and this Roadshow provided a valuable insight into what may lie ahead.
About the Author
David E. James is Principal Consultant at David E. James Consultancy Ltd and has more than 30 years' experience in the global wipes and nonwovens industry. He is a former Chair of the EDANA Wet Wipes Working Group and currently participates in ISO TC224 WG10 on flushable products.
Event: UK–India Roadshow 2026 — Leeds, organised by the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT).