The UK has been the largest G20 investor in India since 2000. UK companies currently employ around 788,000 people across India—one in 20 of the total organized private sector jobs in the country. At the same time, India is the third-largest investor in the UK. Indian companies invest more in the UK than the rest of the EU combined. A comprehensive UK-India economic partnership will boost direct trade. However, Indian and UK companies shouldn’t wait for an agreement to be reached; the opportunity is now. Indian companies can buy goods and services 15% more cheaply from the UK than last June due to the depreciation in the sterling. Indeed, for those seeking to invest in UK businesses to acquire technology, talent and access to markets, the same 15% discount applies. And Indian businesses will also find UK companies that are increasingly looking to India for partnerships. And, of course, there are excellent opportunities to export to the UK. Much has been achieved. UK businesses are much more bullish about India than they were three years ago, and they are committed to helping India achieve its ambitions as it enters the next phase of reform and expansion.

(Live Mint)