Launched by Minister Piyush Goyal, the latest India Meets Britain Tracker reveals a historic 23% surge in Indian-owned companies in the UK, amid renewed momentum from the UK-India FTA.
India’s economic presence in the United Kingdom has reached an all-time high, according to a landmark new report launched by Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal during the opening session of the India Global Forum (IGF) London 2025. The 12th edition of the Grant Thornton India Meets Britain Tracker, unveiled at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, showcases the most comprehensive data to date on Indian investment in the UK—and arrives at a defining moment, just weeks after the formal conclusion of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Compiled by Grant Thornton in partnership with the India Global Forum and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Tracker highlights an unprecedented 23% increase in Indian-owned companies operating in the UK. The report identifies 1,197 such businesses, up from 971 the previous year—the highest figure ever recorded since tracking began in 2017, and the largest annual increase to date.
The findings come as a major vote of confidence in the UK by Indian investors, just as the newly finalised FTA is projected to add £4.8 billion to UK GDP annually, along with £2.2 billion in wage growth. The agreement is expected to open new opportunities in trade, talent, and investment, laying the groundwork for stronger bilateral economic ties.
Speaking at the launch, Manoj Ladwa, Founder and Chairman of India Global Forum, framed the Tracker’s release as symbolic of a deeper strategic shift. He described the findings as more than just a sign of growth, but of “momentum” — a forward-driving force shaping the next chapter in UK-India cooperation. He emphasised IGF London’s role as the first major international platform following the FTA’s completion, offering a timely venue to showcase the tangible outcomes of the agreement.
The 2025 edition of the Tracker provides a detailed breakdown of where Indian businesses are focusing their efforts. The Technology, Media, and Telecom (TMT) sector emerged as the most dominant vertical, accounting for 31% of all Indian-owned companies in the UK. This reflects the growing convergence of British innovation ecosystems with India’s booming tech economy.
The pharmaceuticals and chemicals sector followed at 22%, maintaining its status as a key growth area, while financial services saw a notable increase, representing 10% of Tracker companies—its highest share since 2021.
Geographically, London continues to dominate, hosting 47% of the 74 fastest-growing Indian companies. The South of England accounted for 24.3%, while the Midlands and North contributed 9.5% each, reflecting a growing regional spread of Indian enterprise across the UK.
Anuj Chande, Partner and Head of the South Asia Business Group at Grant Thornton UK, welcomed the data as a clear signal of the UK’s continuing appeal to Indian investors. He said the results underscored how growing policy collaboration is translating into economic impact, with the FTA set to accelerate this dynamic further. He also noted that the India Global Forum’s partnership has helped broaden the Tracker’s visibility and influence.
The Tracker has become an increasingly vital tool for business leaders, policymakers, and investors, providing real-time insight into the evolution of the UK-India corridor. As both countries navigate a rapidly shifting global economy, the report offers a snapshot of how bilateral ties are being operationalised on the ground.
Its release was the centrepiece of Day One of IGF London 2025, the Forum’s flagship UK event, featuring over 100 speakers and 1,000 participants. This year’s edition marks a decade since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic 2015 visit to Britain, which laid the groundwork for the deeper engagement celebrated at this week’s events.
From trade and technology to sustainability and culture, IGF London 2025 is shaping the next phase of bilateral cooperation. With the FTA now in place, the Tracker’s findings reaffirm the strength of the partnership—and suggest that the best days for UK-India business ties may still lie ahead.
