INDIAN AND SCOTCH WHISKY INDUSTRIES FORGE LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP FOLLOWING UK-INDIA TRADE PACT

The Indian Malt Whisky Association and the Scotch Whisky Association have signed a Cooperation Agreement in New Delhi, marking a new chapter in collaboration between two leading whisky-producing nations. The partnership aims to promote authenticity, sustainability, intellectual property protection and responsible consumption amid growing India-UK trade ties.

In a significant development for the global whisky industry, the Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA) and the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) have signed a Cooperation Agreement aimed at strengthening collaboration between India’s emerging malt whisky sector and Scotland’s globally renowned Scotch whisky industry.

The agreement was signed at The Imperial Hotel in New Delhi in the presence of Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, underscoring the growing importance of whisky as a bridge between India and the United Kingdom’s economic and cultural relationship. The document was formally signed by Maj Gen (Dr) Rajesh Chopra, AVSM (Retd), Director General of the IMWA, and Ian Duddy, International Director of the SWA.

The partnership comes at a pivotal moment in India-UK economic relations, following the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), commonly known as the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Industry leaders believe the agreement between the two whisky bodies will complement rising bilateral trade by creating opportunities for dialogue, knowledge sharing and greater cooperation across markets.

The Cooperation Agreement establishes a framework for collaboration focused on exchanging information, expertise and best practices. Key areas of cooperation include sustainability initiatives, legal protection of products, support for authenticity and quality standards, intellectual property rights enforcement, engagement on regulatory issues and the promotion of responsible consumption.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Maj Gen (Dr) Rajesh Chopra described the agreement as a defining moment for India’s malt whisky industry.

“This agreement marks an important milestone in the evolution of India’s malt whisky industry and its engagement with established global whisky traditions,” he said. “Our partnership with the Scotch Whisky Association creates an opportunity to exchange expertise, strengthen product authenticity and promote responsible, sustainable industry practices.”

He added that collaboration on common priorities would help build trust in both whisky categories while supporting the long-term growth and international recognition of Indian malt whisky.

For India’s rapidly developing premium spirits segment, the agreement is seen as an opportunity to gain from Scotland’s extensive experience in protecting geographical identity, maintaining quality standards and developing global markets. At the same time, it highlights the growing international profile of Indian malt whisky, which has increasingly attracted recognition in global competitions and among whisky enthusiasts worldwide.

The partnership also reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding the integrity of both categories at a time when authenticity, traceability and intellectual property protection are becoming increasingly important across international food and beverage markets.

Established in July 2024, the IMWA serves as the unified voice of India’s malt whisky producers. As a not-for-profit industry body, it represents leading distillers and works to protect, preserve and promote the integrity of Indian malt whisky. Its objectives include developing globally aligned standards for quality and production, addressing misrepresentation, improving certification frameworks and strengthening intellectual property protection.

The association also seeks to position India as a serious premium whisky-producing nation, drawing on the country’s distinct terroir, craftsmanship and evolving distillation expertise.

As trade links between India and the UK deepen, the newly signed agreement signals a commitment by both industries to work together in shaping a future built on quality, authenticity and responsible growth, while strengthening the international standing of their respective whisky traditions.