India's trade deal with Britain is a sign of New Delhi's new gradual shift to opening up its markets while shielding crucial sectors from competition and could be its template for future agreements, government officials and analysts said on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described the recently concluded FTA between India and UK as 'historic,' and said the trade pact showed the world's trust in the country.

July 24 (UPI) -- Britain and India agreed to a free trade agreement between their two nations Thursday.