NEW DELHI: The British High Commission in India marked Diwali by highlighting the landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), saying the deal has given the two countries more reasons to celebrate and expressing optimism about the future of their partnership.In a post on X, the High Commission said this year’s Diwali celebrations were especially bright following the delivery of the trade agreement.“The Diwali smiles are extra bright at this year! With our landmark Free Trade Agreement delivered and loads more ahead for the modern UK-India partnership, we had loads to celebrate. HappyDiwali to everyone celebrating!” the British High Commission in India said.The celebrations come after the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) came into effect in July, marking a step towards closer trade and investment ties between the two countries.The agreement aims to expand economic ties through improved market access, trade liberalisation and tariff concessions.Under the deal, nearly 99% of Indian exports will receive zero-duty access to the UK, covering almost 100% of their trade value. It is expected to improve the competitiveness of Indian exports, boost bilateral trade and investment, and create opportunities for businesses.The agreement also includes one of the most ambitious commitments on services that the UK has offered under a free trade agreement.Several foreign diplomatic missions in India also celebrated Diwali with their staff, sharing glimpses of the festivities on social media.Japan’s Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, celebrated the festival with Indian and Japanese colleagues at the Embassy of Japan. The occasion marked his third Diwali in the country.Sharing a video of the celebrations, Ono said celebrating with embassy staff had made the festival even more memorable. The video showed traditional diyas, colourful rangoli designs and marigold decorations, with employees dressed in traditional Indian attire.“Celebrated Diwali with all the Embassy staff! Sharing the joy of this beautiful festival with both Indian and Japanese colleagues made my 3rd Diwali in India even more memorable. Happy Diwali!!” ONO Keiichi wrote.The French Embassy in India also shared a video of its annual Diwali celebrations, featuring embassy staff and French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou.Posted on X on Friday, the 93-second video showed employees preparing for the festival before the ceremonial lighting of a brass diya decorated with marigold flowers. Mathou was also seen lighting the lamp and extending greetings.“Diwali is a beautiful celebration of life, hope and new beginnings. May this festival bring joy to every home and continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship between France and India,” he added.
