Domestic manufacturers welcome greater market access, urge careful monitoring of import dynamics and regulatory alignment
India’s medical device manufacturers have voiced their support for the proposed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), citing expanded opportunities for global collaboration and technology transfer. However, industry stakeholders also stressed the need for guardrails to monitor trade flows and ensure that domestic manufacturing is not undermined by a surge in imports.

The remarks come amid ongoing FTA negotiations between India and the UK, where the medical technology (MedTech) sector has emerged as a focal point due to its strategic importance to both economies.

Opportunities: Market Access, Investment, and Innovation
Industry leaders say the FTA can open doors to mutual recognition of standards, joint research programs, and faster regulatory approvals that will enhance the MedTech innovation ecosystem. The agreement is also expected to facilitate smoother exports of Indian-manufactured devices into the UK—a move welcomed by Indian firms looking to scale globally.

Mr. Rajiv Nath, Forum Coordinator of the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD), said:

“The India-UK FTA can be a game-changer if it enables Indian manufacturers to compete on an equal footing. We are optimistic about the growth potential but equally cautious about the terms governing imports.”

Caution: Safeguards Against Dumping and Quality Compromises
Domestic players have urged the Indian government to implement effective safeguards against potential dumping of low-cost imports, particularly from third-party countries that may route through the UK. With India already grappling with an import-dependent MedTech ecosystem—over 70% of medical devices are imported, stakeholders fear that unchecked trade flows could threaten the growth of local manufacturing under the Make in India initiative.

Industry experts are also advocating for strong regulatory oversight to ensure product quality, as expanded trade can sometimes lead to an influx of sub-standard or refurbished products.

Regulatory Harmonization a Key Ask
Both Indian and UK stakeholders are expected to push for regulatory convergence to enable faster and safer movement of medical devices across borders. This includes mutual recognition of certifications, streamlined product registration procedures, and collaborative efforts on post-market surveillance.

The industry has recommended that the FTA include provisions for joint technical committees, comprising regulatory experts from both countries, to ensure compliance and facilitate smoother transition periods.

Way Forward: Balancing Growth with Self-Reliance
While endorsing the potential benefits of the FTA, Indian medtech companies remain firm on the need for strategic autonomy in critical segments such as diagnostics, implants, and surgical equipment. They have called on policymakers to ensure that the FTA aligns with the national agenda of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) by nurturing indigenous innovation and production capacity.

As talks progress, the MedTech industry hopes the final agreement will be mutually beneficial, fair, and forward-looking—fueling sectoral growth without compromising domestic capabilities.