Boris Johnson has questioned the Labour Government’s trade deal with India.

In a wide-ranging exclusive GB News interview, the former prime minister said that while the agreement is a net positive for Britain, it has a major sticking point.

Johnson disclosed in an interview with Patrick Christys that, during his time in office, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi requested a special exemption—or 'carve out'—to give Indian workers exemption from National Insurance.

“I think the India deal actually is a pretty good deal - when I was running it [the country], we started negotiations ages ago”, he said.

Boris Johnson says he was asked for a similar arrangement with India

“There’s a bit in it that I think is a bit of a try-on for the Indians which is a carve out for Indian workers so they don’t have to pay National Insurance contributions in the UK.

“I thought it was a wind-up. Why shouldn’t everybody working in this country pay the same basic taxes?

“Labour has gone for it. They’ve gone for it in the wider interests of the deal. It’s good news for many, many other bits of the economy.”

The former PM was keen to emphasise that while he would not have agreed to all the terms of the agreement, it represents a net positive for Britain.

He told Patrick Christys the Indian market for British producers is “huge”, meaning it was a necessary deal to secure.

“It’s good news for supermarkets, good news for whisky experts, I think for Scottish whisky exporters it will add another billion or so”, he said.

Boris Johnson joined Patrick Christys on GB News for a wide-ranging interview

“The Indian market for British producers is huge, You know, one of the most interesting things about patterns of international trade in the last 20 or 30 years is, we’ve seen China shoot up in a 45 degree increase, India has been much slower.

“It’s been much slower in India even though it’s a really fantastic market for us. There’s amazing friendships between Britain and India.”

Asked by Patrick if the deal is a “sell-out” by Starmer, he said: “I think there’s a limit.

“I wouldn’t have done that particular thing, but I think it’s overall very positive that they’ve got the deal.”

Keir Starmer discusses Britain's newly announced trade agreement with India, being hailed as a 'huge economic win' for the UKGB NEWS

The historic deal will slash tariffs on key British exports to India and boost bilateral trade significantly.

The agreement also includes a new Double Taxation Avoidance Convention, marking a major step forward in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

Both leaders expressed delight at finalising the ambitious pact, which had been in the works since 2022.

The deal is expected to boost trade between the UK and India by an additional £25.5 billion a year by 2040, according to the British government.

Officials say it will increase UK GDP by £4.8 billion annually and add £2.2 billion to wages each year in the long run.

Last year, trade between the two nations totalled £41 billion and was already forecast to grow before this agreement.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds described the benefits for UK businesses and consumers as "massive".

Under the deal, punishing Indian tariffs on British goods will be significantly reduced. Whisky and gin tariffs will drop from 150 per cent to 75 per cent, eventually falling to 40 per cent over the next decade.

Britain's trade deal with India to cost UK £200m a year, analysis showsPA

Automotive tariffs on British-made cars like Jaguars and Land Rovers will plummet from over 100 per cent to just 10 per cent under a new quota system.

Smaller exporters will also benefit, with tariffs eased on products such as cosmetics, aerospace parts, soft drinks, and biscuits.

British shoppers could enjoy cheaper imports on clothes, footwear, and frozen prawns.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his satisfaction with the agreement on social media, saying: "Delighted to speak with my friend PM @Keir_Starmer. In a historic milestone, India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement, along with a Double Contribution Convention."

He added that these landmark agreements would "further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies."

Modi also noted that he looked forward to welcoming PM Starmer to India soon.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "We are now in a new era for trade and the economy. That means going further and faster to strengthen the UK's economy, putting more money in working people's pockets."

He added: "Today we have agreed a landmark deal with India - one of the fastest growing economies in the world, which will grow the economy and deliver for British people and business."