A significant push to deepen collaboration between the U.K. and India's vibrant production sectors has been formalized through a series of key agreements, unveiled as part of a broader package of U.K.-India partnerships. At the forefront of this initiative is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Producers Guild of India and the U.K. trade body Pact. This agreement was highlighted to U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer by Producers Guild of India president Shibasish Sarkar during a crucial meeting with India's filmmaking community, building upon a cultural cooperation pact established earlier in May by U.K. Minister for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy.

The MoU between the Producers Guild of India and Pact is specifically designed to foster closer ties between British and Indian producers, facilitating the exchange of best practices, projects, and ideas across both territories. While U.K. television exports to India have maintained a steady flow, reaching £23 million ($30.8 million) in 2023/24, these new agreements signal an ambitious drive to significantly boost both exports and co-productions between the two longtime allies. Under the terms of the MoU, both nations are committed to launching educational initiatives that will showcase each country's production capabilities. These plans include sharing vital market intelligence, information on tax credits, co-production frameworks, and details about relevant industry organizations. Pact has already initiated this by participating in a British Film Institute (BFI)-led webinar for Indian producers, with a reciprocal session planned for British counterparts. These initial briefings will pave the way for co-development and co-production sessions, incorporating both online matchmaking and in-person events across both countries.

Complementing this, a parallel Memorandum of Understanding has been established between the British Film Institute (BFI) and India’s National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). This agreement formalizes a collaboration active since 2021 and establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation across film, television, video games, immersive media, and the broader moving image sectors. Its objectives are multifaceted, aiming to increase co-productions, enhance audience access, foster cultural exchange, and ensure the preservation of film heritage. Furthermore, the agreement prioritizes skills development, film heritage conservation and restoration, and enhanced audience engagement by promoting Indian films in the U.K. and British films in India. It also embraces knowledge sharing on technological advancements, including artificial intelligence.

A tangible outcome of these strengthened ties is the announcement by Prime Minister Keir Starmer that Yash Raj Films (YRF), a leading Indian film production and distribution company, will return to the U.K. to shoot three major productions starting in early 2026. This significant move, revealed during Starmer’s visit to Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai, marks the end of an eight-year absence for YRF in the U.K. These productions are anticipated to create over 3,000 jobs and inject millions of pounds into the British economy, underscoring the early impact of the U.K.-India trade deal on the creative sector. Starmer emphasized, “Bollywood is back in Britain, and it’s bringing jobs, investment and opportunity, all while showcasing the U.K. as a world-class destination for global filmmaking.”

For Yash Raj Films, this return carries particular resonance. The company’s iconic film, “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (DDLJ), was extensively shot in the U.K., and its English musical stage adaptation, “Come Fall in Love,” is currently being staged across Britain. YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani expressed his delight, stating, “The U.K. holds a very special place in our hearts and some of our most iconic films…were shot in this beautiful and incredibly hospitable country. It is truly special to reignite YRF and U.K.’s filming ties in the 30th anniversary of DDLJ – a film that is synonymous to U.K.-India’s relationship.” Widhani also praised the U.K.'s unmatched infrastructure, technology, and talent.

The U.K. film industry annually contributes £12 billion ($16.1 million) to the economy and supports 90,000 jobs, making it a highly sought-after destination for international filmmakers due to its world-leading studio infrastructure and iconic locations. India stands as the second-largest source of inward investment in U.K. film production, contributing £118 million ($158 million) annually over the last decade. With India being the world’s largest film producer and boasting a rapidly growing entertainment industry for its 1.4 billion population, it represents immense expansion opportunities for U.K. companies.

Stakeholders from both sides have voiced strong optimism for the future. Ross Lewis, Pact’s head of international and projects, highlighted the increased political cooperation and shared history as a rich source of stories, making it the right time to unite their world-leading production sectors. Shibasish Sarkar of the Producers Guild of India expressed confidence that the relationship with Pact would act as a catalyst to elevate engagement between the filmmaking communities. Similarly, Lisa Nandy acknowledged the extraordinary potential for what the U.K. and India can build together, while BFI chief executive Ben Roberts emphasized that this collaboration unlocks opportunities to strengthen cultural diversity, support industry growth, and expand audience engagement, fulfilling a recognized governmental objective.