Agreement signed to strengthen business ties between Scotland and India
A new agreement has been signed between leading business networks in Scotland and India to strengthen ties and unlock trade opportunities.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (AssoCham India) will cement a closer working relationship between the organisations and their members.
Representing more than 450,000 businesses across a variety of sectors in India, AssoCham is the oldest network of its kind in the country.
Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, was joined by Deepti Pant, Senior Director of AssoCham India, for a signing ceremony at Scotland House in London. The agreement was executed on behalf of ASSOCHAM by its Secretary General, Saurabh Sanyal.
The MoU was marked during a UK visit by India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, ahead of the landmark UK-India Free Trade Agreement coming into force on 15 July 2026.
It follows SCC’s visit to Delhi in February this year, where a commitment was made to formalise the relationship between the organisations.
Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“I am delighted to be signing this Memorandum of Understanding with the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India.
“As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India is an increasingly important partner for Scotland and this agreement will create a range of exciting new opportunities for our businesses, across many different sectors.
“When I travelled to India earlier this year, I was struck by the scale of the ambition, innovation and economic dynamism I encountered, as well as the strong appetite to deepen trade and investment links with Scotland.
“Those ties have now been strengthened through the signing of this MoU, and I am looking forward to building on this positive relationship going forward.”
Deepti Pant, Director of AssoCham India, said:
“This agreement is an important step towards a new era of cooperation and trade between businesses in India and Scotland.
“Many of our members already have close links with Scotland and I know they are interested in building on these relationships in the future following the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding.
“Since our positive discussions with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce in Delhi, we have been looking forward to formalising the relationship and I am pleased we were able to do so in London.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism, and Transport Stephen Flynn, said:
“The Scottish Chambers of Commerce are one of our most trusted partners and through the International Trade Partnership collaboration have a proven record of delivering successful outcomes for Scottish businesses in priority markets across the globe.
“Last week’s MoU signing with the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (AssoCham India) in Scotland House is just another example of how well aligned SCC are with our ambitions for building mutually beneficial relationships with countries whose markets offer significant economic opportunities.
“India is one of our priority markets and a key partner for the Scottish Government’s wider international engagement ambitions, with priorities spanning education, equality, the environment as well as trade and investment.”
During the trade visit, the AssoCham India delegation has had engagements with the High Commission of India, roundtables and a networking reception, as well as a plenary event with stakeholders and partners.
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