Other nations have as well. However, it appears that the UK arrived first, which is a noteworthy accomplishment for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his administration.
The framework of an agreement was essentially there, according to those close to the negotiations, but it was never entirely apparent when or if the maverick president would approve the terms his negotiating team had worked up.
The fact that he did so this week, only two days after the UK and India signed a comprehensive free trade agreement, makes these days extremely important for UK trade.
According to estimates, the UK-India agreement will enhance bilateral commerce by £25.5 billion and raise the UK GDP by £4.8 billion annually.
