This Week in Explainers: How India benefits from the ambitious trade deal with UK

It was a big week for India. The free trade agreement (FTA) with the UK came into effect. It provides a massive boost for Indian exporters, who now have access to one of the largest consumer markets in the world. The pact also makes British products cheaper and more affordable for Indians.

In another big move, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar launched India’s UNSC campaign for a non-permanent seat during his visit to the United Nations headquarters in New York. The outreach is the first step in New Delhi’s bid to take its place in the Asia-Pacific bloc ahead of the UNGA elections in 2027.

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India recently lost a “true friend.” Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Father Amir of Qatar, died at the age of 74 on Sunday (July 12). The Indian government declared a one-day mourning period the following day, with the national flag flown at half-mast across the country. Sheikh Hamad was a visionary who transformed Qatar and forged stronger ties with New Delhi.

In West Asia, Iran and the US have been exchanging strikes. The crisis of the Strait of Hormuz has been deepening. Another Indian sailor died after a ship was attacked when transitioning the waterway between Iran and Oman. The conflict has put the lives of several Indian seafarers at risk.

Back in India, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, was finally moved to hospital on Day 21 of his fast. The activist and Abhijeet Dipke’s Cockroach Janata Party have been protesting and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the Neet-UG question paper leak.

We talk about all this and more in our weekly roundup from India.

1. It has been called the most ambitious and aspirational of FTAs. India’s trade deal with the UK is the biggest in years. While it will bring big benefits to Indian exporters with Britain’s consumer market now open to them, it will also make several British products cheaper for Indian consumers. The prices of imported Scotch whisky, premium British cars, cosmetics, chocolates and some food products will be lower. We tell you what else will become cheaper.

2. India has launched its campaign to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2028-29 term. At the UN headquarters in New York, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar unveiled New Delhi’s vision. This comes amid the country’s push for a greater role in global governance. We explain why this matters.

3. On Sunday (July 11), Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the ex-leader of Qatar, died aged 74. PM Narendra Modi condoled the demise and called the former emir a “true friend of India”. Sheikh Hamad is one of the brains behind transforming the Gulf nation into an economic powerhouse and an influential diplomatic actor.

Among the relationships that flourished under this vision, few have proved as enduring or as strategically significant as the one with India. He saw opportunity in India’s development. Here is how he laid the foundation of the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Commuters drive past a billboard bearing a portrait of Qatar's former leader Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in Doha on July 12, after the announcement of his death. Sheikh Hamad was seen as one of the key architects of modern Qatar and led the country during a period of rapid economic growth. AFP

4. In news that came as a shocker was the sudden death of US Senator Lindsey Graham. He was a leading voice on defence and foreign policy, and India was often caught in the crosshairs of his remarks. The Donald Trump aide endorsed 500 per cent tariffs on India for importing Russian oil. That’s not all. His statements and legislative efforts strained ties between New Delhi and Washington.

A picture taken on July 10 shows US Senator Lindsey Graham speaking to the media during his visit in Kyiv. He died a day later on his return to the US. Reuters

5. The Strait of Hormuz has become the biggest flashpoint in the Iran-US war. Amid escalating tensions, India has directed shipowners, managers, and recruitment companies not to deploy Indian seafearers on vessels passing through the critical chokepoint. This comes after the death of two Indian sailors on ships that were targeted recently. In 46 attacks on commercial shipping since the start of the war, several seafarers have lost their lives, many of them Indian nationals. This piece talks about how the seamen have become collateral damage.

Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, July 15. Reuters

6. Pakistan has been volatile. Now, Balochistan, the country’s largest province by area, has declared independence. A viral letter purportedly issued in the name of “the Republic of Balochistan” claims that Baloch separatists have controlled indepdence from Pakistan and now control a large part of the territory. A self-declared representative of the region, Mir Yar Baloch, appealed for international recognition and urged Indian media and public figures not to describe Balochs as “Pakistan’s own people”. But where does New Delhi stand?

Balochistan's self-declared independence from Pakistan creates a diplomatic dilemma for India. Image courtesy: Islam Murad Baloch

7. Activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk has been protesting at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar for the last 21 days. Along with the Cockroach Janata Party, he has been demanding that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan be moved for the Neet-UG paper leak fiasco. However, the intense fasting has taken a toll on Wangchuk; he has lost more than nine kilos. And on Saturday (July 18), he was moved to a hospital by Delhi police.

A PIL seeking that the activist be force-fed was filed by a lawyer in the Delhi High Court, claiming he could “lose his life in two days”. The court directed that Wangchuk’s health be clinically monitored by government doctors daily, and that “whatever medical intervention is required to check his deteriorating health condition shall also be taken care of,” depending on the doctors’ opinion. But can you force someone to eat against their will?

Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on hunger strike, rests on stage during a sit-in protest called by CJP demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, India, July 14. Reuters

8. An American was caught by the Uttar Pradesh police for trying to enter Nepal without proper authorisation or valid documentation. He has been identified as Jordan Brown. The 36-year-old was not carrying a passport, visa or any other identity when he was detained. He told authorities that he served in the US Navy. So, who is he really?

That’s all from us. These are the must-read stories from and about India. If you like the way we explain the news, bookmark this page.