Scottish salmon lands in Bengaluru tariff-free as UK-India trade pact delivers first commercial win

Bengaluru received the first tariff-free shipment of Scottish salmon to India on Friday, just two weeks after the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) came into force on July 15. The consignment marks one of the earliest commercial outcomes of the agreement, demonstrating its practical benefits for businesses and consumers in both countries.

The shipment was formally received by Owen Richards, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Deputy High Commission in Bengaluru, at the premises of Sashimi Foods Private Limited. The consignment consisted of fresh farmed Scottish salmon produced by Bakkafrost Scotland and imported by Bengaluru-based Sashimi Foods, a leading seafood company.

Under the new trade pact, India has eliminated its earlier 33% import tariff on Scottish salmon. This reduction improves market access for UK exporters while making premium imported seafood more affordable for Indian consumers.

Speaking about the arrival, Richards said, "The arrival, here in Bengaluru, of the first tariff-free shipment of Scottish salmon to India is a clear demonstration of the practical benefits of the UK-India CETA. Just weeks after the agreement entered into force, businesses and consumers are already benefiting from improved market access and reduced trade barriers."

Scottish salmon is the UK's largest food export and is internationally recognised for its quality. International sales exceeded £828 million in 2025, and industry estimates suggest that the UK-India CETA could generate up to £130 million in additional export opportunities for Scotland's salmon sector over the next decade.

Kedarnath Reddy, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Sashimi Foods Private Limited, said the value of the first sample consignment is $801.81. He noted that his company was among the first Indian businesses to benefit from the agreement.

The arrival of the shipment in Bengaluru highlights the growing trade ties between India and the UK. The CETA, which was signed after years of negotiations, aims to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers on a wide range of goods and services. For Indian consumers, the elimination of the import duty on Scottish salmon is expected to lead to lower prices for high-quality seafood. For UK exporters, it opens a vast and rapidly growing market.

The British Deputy High Commission in Bengaluru played a key role in facilitating the shipment, underscoring the importance of the city as a commercial hub. The commission's involvement in receiving the consignment signals strong official support for the trade agreement's implementation.

Industry observers see the salmon shipment as a test case for other UK products that could benefit from similar tariff reductions. As the CETA is implemented, a wider range of goods — from agricultural products to manufactured items — are likely to find easier access to Indian markets. The agreement is also expected to boost investments and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

For now, the first tariff-free consignment of Scottish salmon represents a tangible success story. It shows how international trade agreements, when implemented effectively, can deliver immediate and measurable results for companies and consumers alike.