India-UK Womenpreneurs Explore New Trade Ties After FTA

By: WE Staff | Saturday, 14 February 2026

• First women-centric trade mission from India to the UK after the FTA
• 13 women-owned businesses from India took part in a 5-day event
• Event included business-to-business meetings and visits to companies

The first trade mission from India to the UK targeted women entrepreneurs after the free trade agreement was signed between the two countries a year ago. They were able to explore new business opportunities while developing their trade relations with the buyers.

The five-day trade mission began on Tuesday and was held in London, Manchester, and Yorkshire with 13 businesses led by women taking part in various business-to-business meetings and visits.

The businesses included various types of product categories (handloom textiles, GI-tagged silk, and food products) and emphasized responsible sourcing and sustainability.

The trade mission was also intended to develop business links between women-owned businesses and promote gender equality in trade.

The trade mission was supported in partnership with the International Trade Centre's (ITC) She Trades Commonwealth+ Program, which was funded by the UK government.

This program aims to connect export-ready suppliers in apparel and agri-food industries with buyers, distributors and retailers in the UK.

The FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations) hosted the ITC She Trades India Hub in cooperation with businesses associations in the UK and the High Commission of India-London.

The India-UK FTA includes a separate stand-alone chapter (Trade and Gender Equality) that shows both countries' commitment to supporting women and gender equality.