Scottish food and drink producers are preparing to expand their presence in India as the UK Government launches a major trade mission aimed at turning new trade opportunities into business growth.
The mission, which began on Monday, 12 October, will see representatives from Salmon Scotland, the Scotch Whisky Association and leading Scottish businesses, including Walker’s Shortbread, travel to Delhi and Mumbai. Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander will join Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Environment Secretary Angela Eagle and other delegates on the visit.
The delegation also includes Scottish entrepreneur and The Apprentice star Mike Soutar, seven mayors from northern England and business representatives from across the UK.
The visit follows the implementation of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement on 15 July 2026. The deal is expected to provide a £190 million boost to Scotland’s economy, while gradually reducing tariffs on Scotch whisky imports into India from 150% to 40% over ten years.
The UK Government aims to help Scottish exporters capitalise on these opportunities by providing market intelligence, regulatory guidance and introductions to key business leaders and decision-makers.
India represents a significant opportunity for Scotland’s whisky industry, being the world’s largest whisky market by volume. According to the Scotch Whisky Association, more than 220 million bottles are exported annually. The industry supports approximately 41,000 jobs in Scotland and a further 25,000 across the UK, spanning agriculture, distilling, distribution and logistics.
During his three-day visit, Douglas Alexander will meet Indian government ministers, business leaders and regulators to help Scottish companies establish commercial relationships and access new opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.
Alexander said Scotland’s food and drink industry had a strong international reputation and highlighted the trade agreement’s potential to reduce barriers for exporters of whisky, soft drinks and salmon. He emphasised the importance of helping Scottish businesses convert these benefits into contracts, investment and employment opportunities.
He also stressed that Scotland’s position within the UK strengthens its international trading relationships, adding that increased exports and inward investment could support economic growth and create jobs across Scottish communities.
Mike Soutar, a member of the UK Government’s Board of Trade, said Scotland had a strong portfolio of internationally recognised products, including salmon, whisky and shortbread. He added that bringing businesses directly into the Indian market would help establish new commercial connections, increase exports and support employment.
Expanding Opportunities Beyond Food and Drink
Alongside promoting Scotland’s food and drink sector, the visit will explore opportunities in defence and life sciences.
Companies and organisations expected to feature in discussions include:
- Microbira: A Scottish life sciences company with an established presence in India.
- Piramal Pharma: The Indian pharmaceutical company employs more than 300 people at its drug development and manufacturing facility in Grangemouth. It invested £45 million in the site in 2023.
- Rolls-Royce: The company has significant defence and aerospace manufacturing operations in Scotland and is working with the Indian military to supply advanced defence equipment.
The trade mission reflects the UK Government’s wider ambition to strengthen commercial ties with India, helping Scottish businesses access new markets, attract investment and contribute to long-term economic growth.
Barden added that the tournament had continued to grow each year, with organisers looking forward to welcoming more participants and visitors to the upcoming event.
The Diwali Cup was first launched in 2024 through a partnership between the Lancashire Cricket Foundation and GIEO Gita UK (Global Inspiration Enlightenment Organisation of the Bhagwad Gita).
The event is funded by GIEO Gita UK and the ECB Cricket Cities Programme. Starting with eight teams in its inaugural year, the tournament expanded to 14 teams in 2025, reflecting its growing popularity and community reach.
As it enters its third year, the Diwali Cup continues to bring people together through cricket, celebrating diversity, cultural heritage and the spirit of Diwali.
