The India-U.K. FTA: Balancing Economic Opportunity with Public Health Imperatives
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (India-U.K. relations, FTAs), Indian Economy (MSMEs, Trade), Governance (FSSAI, Public Health policy), Health (Non-Communicable Diseases - NCDs, HFSS foods).
Mains:
GS Paper 2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India; Effect of policies and politics of developed countries on India’s interests; Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
GS Paper 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth; Food processing and related industries.
Key Highlights from the News
India and the United Kingdom (UK) have signed a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
A new cooperation framework, 'India-U.K. Vision 2035', has been launched, replacing 'Roadmap 2030'.
The Prime Minister stated that this agreement will benefit Indian farmers, the MSME sector, and the export of footwear, jewellery, and marine products.
However, experts warn that this FTA poses a significant public health challenge for India.
Due to tariff exemptions on imports of High Fat, Sugar, and Salt (HFSS) foods from the UK, their prices will decrease in India.
This could lead to an increase in lifestyle diseases in India, such as obesity and diabetes, which are Non-Communicable Diseases.
The experience of similar health issues in Mexico after the NAFTA agreement between Mexico and the United States serves as a warning.
India's Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) and advertising regulation laws are weak.
Geopolitically, this agreement will strengthen the India-UK partnership and increase cooperation on issues such as counter-terrorism, extradition of economic offenders, and the Indo-Pacific.
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