India-UK FTA: Five Chapters Remaining — Timeline Analysis

India-UK FTA negotiations have made significant progress with 23 of 28 chapters in substantive agreement. The five outstanding chapters are among the most politically sensitive: Mode 4 (simplified UK work visa pathways for Indian IT professionals), Scotch Whisky (India currently charges 150% import duty), Automotive, Dairy, and Government Procurement.

Mode 4 is the most commercially significant for India. UK tech sector reports 135,000 unfilled IT positions — structural demand for Indian IT professionals. India seeks simplified UK ICT (Intra-Corporate Transferee) and independent professional visa categories with clearer criteria and faster processing.

Scotch whisky is the most politically charged for the UK. Scotland' £6B whisky industry is a priority for UK government — and reducing India' 150% tariff to 75% (India' offer) versus 50% (UK industry demand) is the negotiating gap.

AJG assessment: A deal in H2 2026 is plausible with political will. Indian IT companies should monitor Mode 4 provisions closely and brief Parliamentary contacts on the commercial benefit case for simplified Indian IT professional visas.