The first export container destined for the United Kingdom under the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was ceremonially flagged off from CONCOR ICD Whitefield, Bengaluru, marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral trade and enhancing export opportunities for Indian businesses.
The export consignment was flagged off by Sh. Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka, in the august presence of Smt. Sucheta Sreejesh, IRS, Commissioner of Customs, Air Cargo, Bengaluru; Sh. Krishna Reddy, IRTS, Senior General Manager, CONCOR; Sh. Nitish Karnatak, IRS, Joint Commissioner, Bengaluru Customs; and Smt. Dona Ghosh, ITS, Head & Joint Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Office of the Additional DGFT, Bengaluru.
The inaugural shipment comprised an export consignment from M/s Jindal Aluminium, represented by Sh. Manoj Randiwe, General Manager, and Sh. Santosh Naik, Manager.
The flag-off symbolizes the commencement of trade under the India–UK FTA from Karnataka and highlights the collaborative efforts of CONCOR, Customs, DGFT, the British High Commission, and the exporting community in facilitating seamless international trade.
The launch is expected to provide Indian exporters with enhanced market access, improved competitiveness, and faster movement of goods to the UK by leveraging the benefits offered under the Free Trade Agreement. It also reinforces Bengaluru’s growing importance as a key export and logistics hub supporting India’s expanding global trade network.
The successful dispatch of the first container under the FTA underscores the government’s commitment to promoting exports, strengthening trade infrastructure, and enabling Indian manufacturers to capitalize on new opportunities in the UK market.