From Colonised to Capitalised, Modi Has Struck Gold for India with UK Deal: Dr Jagdeesh Chandra

In a power-packed edition of The JC Show, Dr. Jagdeesh Chandra described the India-UK free trade agreement as a “historic miracle” — a moment marking the nation’s rise from colonial subjugation to global leadership. Dr. Chandra emphasised that the Modi-led government has achieved what centuries couldn’t: transforming a former master-slave equation into an equal strategic partnership. He discussed the bold economic clauses, including 99% export tax exemptions, doubling of trade by 2030, and India’s firm stance on protecting agricultural and dairy interests. Questions covered the economic impact on Rajasthan’s industries, Trump’s reaction, implications for EU and US negotiations, and security threats like the Mirpuri network. Dr. Chandra stressed, “This is a moment for 140 crore Indians to feel immense pride.” (Part-I)

Today’s JC Show is headlined “From Colonial Era to Trade Partnership.” What does this signify in context of India’s evolving relationship with Britain?

Dr Jagdeesh Chandra: It signifies a monumental shift — from subjugation to sovereignty, from colonialism to strategic parity. This is yet another miracle achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Consider this: India, once ruled by the East India Company and later reduced to a mere colony for centuries, now stands shoulder to shoulder with the very country that once enslaved it. Under Modi’s tenure, this transformation has taken place — we are no longer subservient; we are equals. In fact, we are, to some extent, dictating terms today as global leaders. That’s why I describe this as a moment of historic reversal — a rare transition that occurs perhaps once in centuries. This is a proud moment for 1.4 billion Indians, for the Prime Minister, his Cabinet, and the Bharatiya Janata Party. It marks a new era where India stands tall and dignified, side by side with Britain — not as a subject but as a formidable partner. Hence, the phrase: from colonial subjugation to strategic partnership.

Can you explain the basic concept of free trade agreements?

At its core, a free trade agreement means a taxfree regime — no taxes levied on imports or exports between the participating countries. When two or more nations agree to simplify trade, attract investment, and encourage economic freedom, they usually reduce or eliminate tariffs. In essence, it’s about making trade seamless and costeffective. That’s what PM Modi has achieved with this deal. In fact, it can be described as boldest liberalised trade agreement India has ever signed with a Western power. It paves the way for an open, investment-friendly, and mutually beneficial economic framework.

What are the basic highlights of the India-UK trade agreement?

There are many, but let’s focus on the fundamentals. As Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated, this is a landmark agreement that will double trade by 2030. Our current trade volume of $56 billion is expected to rise to $120 billion within five years. Presently, the UK’s investment in India is around $36 billion, while India has invested $20 billion in the UK. The balance is gradually tilting in our favour.

Another key highlight is that by 2040, bilateral trade is expected to increase by 39%. Most significantly, 99% of India’s exports to the UK will now be taxfree. Customs duties have been slashed from 15% to just 3% — a development unimaginable until recently. Prime Minister Modi aptly described this as a partnership of “natural allies rewriting history.”

The benefits of this deal will directly reach farmers, MSMEs, and ordinary citizens. So, if I had to summarise the core strengths of the agreement, they would be: the doubling of trade volume and the virtual elimination of export duties for 99% of goods.

What will become cheaper in India due to this trade agreement, & what might become expensive?

Almost everything is moving towards becoming more affordable. Specifically, we can expect jewellery, textiles, handicrafts, food items, footwear, automobiles, mobile phones — all to become cheaper. Even luxury cars imported from Britain will become more accessible, marking a golden era for high-end buyers. Overall, India is the clear winner in this trade partnership. However, a few exceptions remain: certain agricultural inputs and specific liquor varieties may get costlier due to higher taxes. Still, 98% of goods will become more affordable. This deal signals a major step toward cost-effective trade between India and the UK.

The trade agreement had been pending for the past 3–4 years. How did Prime Minister Narendra Modi finally bring it to fruition? Can this be considered a diplomatic victory?

Absolutely, it’s a historic diplomatic triumph — driven by Narendra Modi’s political willpower. Bureaucratic processes alone wouldn’t have delivered this result. Ministries can keep holding meetings indefinitely, but without decisive leadership, outcomes remain elusive. Modi made it a personal mission over the past three years. He gave Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal a clear mandate to finalize the agreement. Goyal spent days in London, held numerous rounds of negotiations, and directed officials both in India and abroad. The credit goes entirely to Modi’s unwavering commitment — his belief in “delivery counts at the end of the day.” He has once again proved that whether it’s MEA or Finance, he is the ultimate driver of execution.

What impact will this trade deal have on Rajasthan’s key industries such as jewellery, textiles, garments, and handicrafts?

The impact will be overwhelmingly positive. Rajasthan is renowned for its craftsmanship — whether in jewellery, textiles, garments, or handicrafts. Cities like Jalore, Bhilwara, Udaipur, and Jodhpur are major business hubs and will be among the biggest beneficiaries of this agreement. Rajasthan, along with other Indian states, stands to gain significantly from this trade deal.

What might U.S. President Donald Trump be thinking about this India-UK agreement?

Trump must be a sad person right now. As one commentator put it aptly: “UK and India have pulled down Trump’s tariff wall.” That one line says it all. Trump’s strategy of imposing heavy tariffs has now been challenged. While he was still in negotiations with Modi, India went ahead and finalized a dominant trade deal with the UK. It sets a precedent — it lights the path. Now, Trump is likely wondering how to approach Modi in the next round of talks. As he himself once said, “Modi is a tough bargainer.” The challenge for Modi will now be to ensure same favourable terms are secured with Trump & that’s not going to be easy. Trump is surely a disappointed and worried man.

What is the current status of India’s trade negotiations with US and EU? Will India bow to pressure, or make others bend?

Negotiations with European Union are in the final stage, and discussions with the US are ongoing. Interestingly, Trump has already secured deals with weaker parties like EU, forcing them to accept a 15% tariff and commit to buying $750 million worth of green energy and investing $600 million in the U.S. economy. Those countries had no choice; they surrendered under pressure. India’s stance remains firm. The EU trade deal may be finalized soon, possibly by the second week of August, but strictly on India’s terms. US has a clear pattern: Trump forced trade concessions from Indonesia, Japan, and the EU. Japan, for instance, had to import US rice despite local preferences and open its auto market to American cars. Now, it’s India’s turn. Will we yield or hold our ground? So far, Modi has shown he’ll only compromise up to a point — national interest is non-negotiable. The government isn’t rushing to meet any timeline. Coming weeks will reveal how far Modi will go in standing firm during US negotiations.

Trump recently stated that Pakistan is a reliable anti-terror partner. How do you interpret this sudden U-turn?

Honestly, Trump is the ultimate U-turn man of the century. He’s broken all records in backtracking from his own declarations. It’s a mockery — a cruel joke, even. Consider this: Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind 9/11, was found hiding in Pakistan. Thousands of Americans died in that tragedy, yet Trump now calls Pakistan a “phenomenal ally” in the fight against terrorism. PM Modi has rightly said that roots of global terrorism lie in Pakistan. Despite this, for sake of personal or national business interests, Trump is now hailing Pakistan as a natural partner. It’s a joke that the world can’t help but laugh at. How can any nation expect America to stand with them against terrorism when such blatant compromises are being made? It’s unfortunate, not just for India, but for the US as well. A country that once stood shoulder to shoulder with us against terrorism has now taken a U-turn for short-term gains.

We’ve heard that 95% of India’s agricultural products will now enter the UK duty-free. Meanwhile, British agricultural and dairy items are excluded from India’s concessional list. How significant is this?

That’s absolutely correct. Once again, Narendra Modi has emerged as a champion for Indian farmers. In a major trade breakthrough, 95% of Indian agricultural exports — including dairy — are now duty-free in the UK. Meanwhile, Modi firmly denied Britain any access to India’s farm or dairy markets. Even under U.S. pressure to open up our dairy sector, he stood firm. This dual win—taxfree entry into the UK and protection from foreign imports—marks a strong stand for Indian agriculture. Farmers who once protested have reason to cheer. This is real leadership: strategic, bold, and clearly pro-farmer.

There’s rising concern about Mirpuri group in the UK linked to organised violence. What’s the story?

Yes, it’s a real concern — a Khalistan-style threat with a different face. During PM Modi’s UK visit, India and Britain agreed to act against separatist and fugitive groups abroad. Many operate from Canada, the US, and especially Britain. Mirpur in PoK, now dubbed “Little London,” has become a hub for a criminal network and what can only be described as waging a proxy war against India, much like the Khalistanis. The concern is not just India’s anymore. These violent groups may soon threaten British citizens as well. That’s why this issue must be taken seriously by both governments. I’m confident the Indian delegation raised it with British authorities during the visit, and that concrete steps will follow.. These groups pose a growing threat not just to India but to British citizens too. This shared danger demands urgent, coordinated action from both governments.

TO BE CONTINUED...

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