Exporting to India

Opportunities exist for UK companies across a wide range of sectors, including technology, fintech and automotive.

Some sectors may offer opportunities to Northern Ireland companies.

Technology

India is rapidly becoming one of the most data-rich countries in the world. It has a strong tech ecosystem and is a global hub for technology startups. India boasts some of the lowest mobile data costs globally and has a huge number of internet subscribers.

Start-up ecosystem

The Indian start-up ecosystem has seen significant evolution in recent years. Start-ups are using emerging technologies such as social, mobility, analytics and cloud (SMAC), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and the internet of things to solve key challenges in fields such as healthcare, education and financial inclusion.

Telecommunications

The telecoms sector presents a significant opportunity for exporters, driven by a diverse and rapidly evolving market. Alongside traditional demand for telecoms equipment, there is a growing global demand for advanced technologies and services that support next-generation networks. In particular, the rollout of 5G is creating opportunities for companies specialising in data analytics, artificial intelligence and cyber security, as operators seek to optimise networks, enhance performance and ensure secure, resilient connectivity.

UK-India Tech Partnership

The India-UK Tech Partnership aims to bring together the best minds working in tech to support innovation and technology, unlock its future potential and deliver high-skilled jobs and sustainable economic growth. This pioneering partnership has strong support in both countries.

Fintech

India’s impressive fintech growth and adoption rate, combined with strong Indian government support, make it one of the most important global fintech markets. Peer-to-peer lending, small and medium-sized enterprise lending and digital payments are rapidly driving fintech growth and adoption in India.

Market size

India's fintech sector has grown substantially over the past decade and is now transitioning from rapid expansion to sustainable resilience. With a projected 31% Compound Annual Growth Rate through to 2029, India continues to offer a strong growth narrative. (Source: KPMG, 2025).

High demand

Demand is increasing in India for digital onboarding, lending, wealth management, and technology around regulation, insurance and blockchain. This demand offers huge opportunities for UK exporters.

Automotive

Several major UK automotive companies are present in India, including JCB, Jaguar Land Rover (as part of Tata Motors), GKN Driveline, Johnson Matthey and Ricardo. Sector growth combined with strong government support makes India a promising market for UK exporters.

Market size and potential

India is the fourth-largest automobile market in the world after China, the USA and Japan. There are considerable opportunities for UK companies in the manufacture of tractors, two-wheelers, buses, cars and commercial vehicles.

Luxury car market

Leading luxury car manufacturers BMW and Mercedes-Benz recorded record revenue in India in 2025, and the luxury car market is expected to grow considerably over the next few years. India is a viable outsourcing hub for UK exporters, offering low production costs and increasing domestic demand.

Governmental reform

India’s government has announced an ambitious target for 30% of its vehicle sales to be electric by 2030. It aims to provide grants for electric vehicle procurement.