Time
Live Business City Clocks
Business Hours Overlap
India: Mon–Sat 9:30 AM–6:30 PM IST | United Kingdom: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM GMT/BST
UK (GMT UTC+0 in winter, BST UTC+1 in summer) is 5.5–4.5 hours behind IST. UK hours fall in India's late afternoon to evening. Summer (BST, late March–late October) gives a wider 5-hour overlap.
UK (GMT UTC+0 in winter, BST UTC+1 in summer) is 5.5–4.5 hours behind IST. UK hours fall in India's late afternoon to evening. Summer (BST, late March–late October) gives a wider 5-hour overlap.
IST ↔ United Kingdom Quick Reference
| 🇮🇳 IST | GMT | BST |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM IST | 3:30 AM GMT | 4:30 AM BST |
| 12:00 PM IST | 6:30 AM GMT | 7:30 AM BST |
| 2:30 PM IST | 9:00 AM GMT | 10:00 AM BST |
| 4:00 PM IST | 10:30 AM GMT | 11:30 AM BST |
| 6:30 PM IST | 1:00 PM GMT | 2:00 PM BST |
| 9:00 PM IST | 3:30 PM GMT | 4:30 PM BST |
Key Commercial Ports
🇮🇳 India
| Port | City | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| JNPT / Nhava Sheva | Mumbai | 24×7 | Primary sea gateway for UK–India trade; pharma & chemicals |
| Chennai Port | Chennai | 24×7 | Textiles, leather, and engineering goods to UK |
| Mundra Port | Gujarat | 24×7 | Containers destined for Felixstowe and Southampton |
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Port | City | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Felixstowe | Suffolk | 24×7 | UK's largest container port; handles ~48% of UK container traffic including key India routes |
| Port of Southampton | Southampton | 24×7 | Vehicles, bulk cargo; major India–UK transhipment |
| London Gateway | Essex | 24×7 | DP World-operated; modern deep-water container port near London |
| Heathrow Airport Cargo | London | 24×7 | UK's largest air cargo gateway; pharma, gems, high-value Indian goods |
* Most major international ports operate 24×7 for vessel operations; customs clearance and gate hours vary. Always verify with the port authority or your freight forwarder.
Top Traded Goods
🇮🇳 India Exports to United Kingdom
- Pharmaceuticals & generics
- IT & software services
- Diamonds & gems
- Apparel & textiles
- Engineering goods
- Chemicals
- Leather goods
🇮🇳 India Imports from United Kingdom
- Machinery & industrial equipment
- Aerospace & defence components
- Scotch whisky & spirits
- Medical devices
- Chemicals & specialty chemicals
- Electronics
- Financial & legal services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time difference between India and UK?
In winter (GMT, late October–late March), India (IST, UTC+5:30) is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of the UK (GMT, UTC+0). In summer (BST, late March–late October), the difference narrows to 4 hours 30 minutes when the UK observes British Summer Time.
What are the best hours to call UK from India for business?
In winter (GMT): Call 2:30–6:30 PM IST (9:00 AM–1:00 PM GMT). In summer (BST): Call 1:30–6:30 PM IST (9:00 AM–2:00 PM BST). Summer gives a broader, more comfortable overlap.
What is the status of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement?
India and the UK formally concluded FTA negotiations in May 2025 after over three years of talks. The agreement covers goods, services (including IT), and investment, and is expected to more than double bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.
What does India export most to the UK?
India's top UK exports are pharmaceutical generics, IT & software services (a huge invisible export), refined petroleum, diamonds, garments, and engineering goods. The UK is one of India's top destinations for professional services exports.