Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had a cheeky response when asked about his earlier promise to conclude the India-UK Free Trade Agreement by Diwali, quipping, “I didn’t say which Diwali.”
Johnson had made the commitment during his 2022 visit to Ahmedabad, where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Asked at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum about the delay in concluding the trade agreement, Johnson defended his promise with the remark.
“No, we were very careful. Very clear. Sorry for the misunderstanding. But no, no, no. It sounds. I always keep my promises,” he said.
Johnson said he was “thrilled” that the trade deal had eventually been concluded, particularly pointing to the reduction in India's tariffs on Scotch whisky.
“I'm thrilled that it's happened. It's a great deal, and yet, if I've achieved nothing else in my life, my friends, I have cut the tariffs where I've given, persuaded, helped to persuade the brilliant, bounty, remorseless Indian negotiators to cut the tariffs with exorbitant 150% tariffs on Scotch whisky for 75% and going down and going down further, and going down further to 40% in the next few years,” he said.
Johnson joked that the tariff cuts would be particularly welcomed by his relatives, whom he said had long enjoyed buying Scotch whisky at duty-free shops.
“So you know that's a big deal for my relatives, by the way, because you know the one thing they wanted me to do, really, I think probably the only reason they allowed their beautiful daughter to marry me was in the hope,” he said.
He added that the lower tariffs would make Scotch whisky substantially cheaper in India.
“I hope I think the cut came in in July, but it's going to be substantially cheaper,” Johnson said.
India-UK trade has surged since Brexit: Johnson
The former British prime minister also highlighted what he described as a sharp rise in trade between India and the UK since Brexit.
“186% since Brexit, and it's and it's and it's it's literally going up like like that the whole time, and I'm very very proud of that,” Johnson said.
He also pointed to the growing flow of Indian investment into Britain, citing Jaguar Land Rover as an example of the deepening economic ties between the two countries.
“Every Brit is proud of Jaguar and Anand Rover. We think they're amazing vehicles, but they're Indian-owned, and actually, the recovery of JNI as everybody knows is a very, very largely an Indian trial,” he said.
Johnson said Britain had benefited significantly from Indian investment and talent.
“I think there is all I'm saying is we benefit massively in our country from Indian investment and Indian talent,” he said.
He also recalled having a Cabinet with a large number of people of Indian origin during his time as prime minister.
“You know, I probably had I had a cabinet that contained more people of Indian origin than ever ever before. I'm proud to say, not all of whom supported it for quite long enough, but never mind,” he said.
Johnson says more can be done on India-UK economic ties
Johnson said India had an “incredible future”, citing its democratic system and economic advantages.
“And you know, if you ask me where does it need to go, you know I said earlier on that I think India has got an incredible future. It's it really has, because you're a democracy and you're a free country,” he said.
He also referred to Prime Minister Modi's comments on India's regulatory environment and the legacy of the Licence Raj.
“Listening to what Prime Minister Modi was saying last night about obviously something I used a phrase I hadn't heard: the licensing or something, the Licence Raj,” Johnson said.
Johnson then argued that there were several sectors where India and the UK could deepen economic cooperation.
“But there are some things we could fix: law, accountancy, supermarkets,” he said.
He joked about whether British supermarket chain Tesco could establish a presence in India.
“We fix supermarkets. I'm not convinced that Tesco could set up here. You know, maybe you don't want Tesco. Fine. Okay, but you know there's more to be done,” Johnson said.
He argued that further opening up markets and expanding economic ties could create jobs and boost growth in both countries.
“And it would promote growth and and jobs in in both countries. Both countries, believe,” Johnson said.
