Will the hon. Gentleman give way? I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for giving way. I think he has given me this opportunity before gets himself into a bit of a hole. First, he had a pop at independence, only to then turn it into saying how successful Ireland is. Mr Linden highlighted the high tariffs imposed on Scotch whisky in India, which currently stands at 150%, and argued that reducing this tariff could significantly boost exports and job creation. He pointed out that despite only accounting for 2% of India's whisky market, Scottish whisky sales have grown from £60 million to over £150 million between 2011 and 2019. He emphasised the potential economic benefits, including a possible increase in single malt exports by £1.2 billion and creation of up to 1,300 jobs.

Mr Hendry highlighted the importance of not sacrificing standards in trade agreements with India, particularly concerning the NHS and investor-state dispute mechanisms. He raised concerns about poverty levels and worker exploitation in India. Mr Hendry also addressed human rights issues such as Jagtar Singh Johal's case and the filing of criminal charges against those critical of the Indian Government. He questioned whether the Minister would uphold human rights criteria similar to EU agreements with Turkey, Singapore, and Vietnam.

The MP welcomed the opportunity for scrutiny of trade agreements, highlighting the need to improve environmental and animal welfare standards. He expressed concern over a perceived lack of ambition in negotiating a comprehensive free trade agreement with India, noting underwhelming export growth figures compared to other countries. The MP called for a strategy to boost exports and questioned the support provided to firms looking to expand into Indian markets.

Northern Irish! The MP highlighted the importance of including human rights provisions in future trade deals with India, particularly concerning freedom of religion or belief. He expressed concern over escalating violations against religious minorities and called for robust monitoring mechanisms to be included in negotiations.

My hon. Friend is making a strong point about how reducing barriers to entry will increase trading opportunities with India. Does he agree, however, that it is the job of the Department for International Trade to do not only trade policy but trade promotion?

Questions whether the UK's inability to secure a trade deal with India while in the EU, due to issues such as whisky tariffs and visa policies, reflects a desire for cheaper labour from Indian workers now that access to European labour is reduced. Questions the meaning of shared values when a UK citizen born in this country, holding a full UK passport, can be arbitrarily detained by an ally.

Congratulates the hon. Member for Harrow East on securing the debate and highlights the importance of the Manchester India Partnership in fostering academic, business, and public sector collaborations between Greater Manchester and India. Advocates for increased air connectivity between Manchester airport and major Indian cities to boost trade and ease travel for families, businesses, and students. Criticizes the government's lack of support for international students during the pandemic. Calls for better student support provisions in future pandemics or lockdowns. Discusses the potential for UK-India collaboration on climate change initiatives and green technology. Expresses disappointment with the government's opposition to a TRIPS waiver proposal aimed at enabling low-income countries to produce vaccines during the pandemic. The UK can be a world leader in green technology and renewable energy, with free trade agreements encouraging other nations to sign up to principles of renewable energy. The agreements should also increase industrial capacity in the UK for well-paid unionised jobs. The Times of London reports that UK companies exported pesticides containing 12,240 tonnes of seven chemicals banned in the UK. The speaker argues this practice is morally wrong and highlights government double standards on exports. Requests for the Minister to give way and address a question.

Does my hon. Friend agree that one of the significant benefits of a free trade agreement between India and the United Kingdom is access to a market that is increasingly prosperous? Over recent years, millions of people in India have been lifted out of poverty because of economic growth and prosperity.

I take issue with one or two of the points that the hon. Gentleman has made. He spoke cleverly about what the UK can do for India, when the reality is clearly the reverse: we have imported fantastic, highly educated doctors, nurses and IT people.

Sharma highlighted the historical ties between India and Britain, emphasizing mutual benefits in areas like education, legal services, defence, security, space, cyber, and aviation. He noted that despite past opportunities missed, British universities remain popular among Indian students due to their quality. Sharma urged for a sector-specific deal focused on education and legal services as part of the push towards a free trade agreement (FTA) with India.