India is the UK’s 18th largest export market, and is second largest in the developing world after China. It is one of the fastest expanding economies in the world with a growing middle class. The UK has strong ties with India and UK companies are well positioned to take advantage of this growing export and investment market.

Liberalisation of the economy continues apace with trade barriers are largely removed and the peak tariff down from 350% in 1991 to 20% in 2005. Privatisation programmes are reducing the public sector role in the production and consumption of goods. Scottish companies are well placed to take advantage of opportunities in priority sectors including: Aerospace, Aviation, Agribusiness, Biotechnology, Construction, Creative and Media, Education and Skills, Engineering, Environment, Financial Services, Healthcare, ICT, Oil and Gas, Power, Transport and Water.

The trade mission arrived in New Delhi over the weekend 16/17 February.   The business period of the mission was Monday 18 February to Friday 22 February. 

Twelve grants of £550 were available for SMEs that are new exporters to this market, to companies that have no previous exports to the market within 12 months, to companies whose turnover from exports is less than 25% of total turnover, and who do not have existing representation in the market.  This funding was provided by UK Trade & Investment via Scottish Development International.