How Will AI and Skilling Be Enhanced Under the India-UK FTA?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India leads in AI skills globally.
- UK recognizes India as a key talent hub.
- FTA unlocks economic benefits and trade growth.
- Partnership fosters innovation and job creation.
- Collaboration in green electronics and technology.
New Delhi, May 7 (NationPress) India is leading the way in defining the global digital landscape, achieving the highest rate of AI skill penetration worldwide. The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is set to position the UK to fully acknowledge India as a primary hub for students and professionals aiming to fulfill their ambitions in this sector, industry experts stated on Wednesday.
The official signing of the India-UK FTA represents a significant milestone, reinforcing the natural alliance between our two nations.
“This all-encompassing agreement will swiftly unleash considerable economic advantages, fostering increased trade across goods, services, and importantly, technology. The established collaboration in critical areas such as AI will act as a springboard for innovation, generating high-skilled employment opportunities and solidifying the UK and India’s roles as global frontrunners in this transformative arena,” remarked Keshav Murugesh, Chairperson, CII UK India Business Forum.
For students and tech professionals, this FTA is anticipated to act as a launchpad for deeper synergy in deeptech and skill mobility. The long-term prospects of this partnership are immense, he noted.
“The timing is impeccable, as the FTA strengthens the economic resilience of both the UK and India by granting access to new markets while mitigating exposure to external shocks. This is particularly crucial in an era marked by escalating trade tensions,” added Murugesh.
Ashok Chandak, President, IESA and SEMI India, indicated that the FTA serves as a timely motivator for enhancing India’s global image and business prospects across various sectors.
The services sector too stands to gain significantly, with advancements in design, testing, and embedded software, propelled by joint R&D and collaboration—capitalizing on the UK's design expertise and India’s engineering prowess, thereby benefiting startups and innovators.
“By lowering tariffs on components, raw materials, and capital equipment, it decreases manufacturing costs and amplifies the export potential of 'Made in India' products,” stated Chandak.
The FTA also enables skilled talent exchange, fortifies supply chain resilience, and encourages collaboration in green electronics.
This agreement is expected to indirectly generate hundreds of thousands of jobs in both nations across vital sectors.