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Kolhapuris To Banarsis: How Trade Deal With UK Put "Brand India" On Global Map

Protecting and promoting the "Brand India"-- from Kohlapuri Chappals to Banarsi and Chanderi textiles-- is a massive priority in the India-UK Free Trade Agreement set to be signed on Thursday in London.
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The India-UK Free Trade Agreement signed Thursday in London significantly prioritizes "Brand India" protection, from Kolhapuri footwear to Banarsi and Chanderi textiles. This landmark deal enables concessional export rates for labour-intensive Indian products including leather goods, footwear, and clothing—often produced by women artisans—establishing a gender-inclusive trade framework.
Officially termed a comprehensive economic and trade agreement, the pact was formalized with Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer present. Projections suggest bilateral trade will double to $120 billion by 2030.
For the first time in India's trade history, New Delhi has incorporated gender equality provisions specifically designed to enhance opportunities for women entrepreneurs, business owners, and workers.
"We have championed our values—securing India's first-ever chapters in a free trade agreement on Anti-corruption, Labour rights, Gender, and Development. This chapter will enhance the opportunities for women to access the full benefits of the UK-India FTA. It will also advance women's economic empowerment and promote gender equality through trade," the UK government previously stated.
The agreement features significant tariff reductions, with India—which maintains a more protectionist economy than Britain—cutting 90 percent of duties. This reduces the average tariff on UK products from 15 percent to 3 percent. Britain, which already imports €11 billion in Indian goods annually, will provide enhanced market access to Indian manufacturers.
How The Deal Will Put India On The Global Map
The agreement grants duty-free access to UK markets for 99 percent of Indian exports, including prized textiles like Banarsi and Chanderi and traditional leather products such as handmade Kolhapuri footwear.
New Delhi aims to strengthen India's brand recognition and cultural identity while increasing artisan incomes, particularly for women-led enterprises. The deal also addresses cultural appropriation of Indian crafts, where Western fashion houses utilize Indian designs without proper attribution or compensation.
A recent example involved global fashion brand Prada incorporating Kolhapuri chappal designs in their 2026 menswear collection without acknowledging their Indian heritage.
The agreement is expected to generate jobs and promote financial independence for women, positioning India as a leading supplier in labour-intensive sectors.