First Minister John Swinney will lead a trade mission during a visit to India in October alongside business representatives for Scottish whisky and salmon.
Mr Swinney said Scotland “is open for business” as he aims to create new opportunities for trade in sectors including food and drink, renewable energy, education, tourism, culture and space.
During the visit to Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai, Mr Swinney will meet senior business leaders with the aim to promote Scotland’s economic interests and strengthen partnerships.
Mr Swinney said: “Scotland’s food and drink producers have spent years building relationships in India.
Working more closely with India will create new opportunities for trade, investment and economic growth that support jobs and prosperity across Scotland
“This visit is about turning those relationships into real opportunities for businesses, ensuring Scotland is well-placed to benefit from growing trade and investment links with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
“Scotland is open for business and one of the best places in the world to invest. Working more closely with India will create new opportunities for trade, investment and economic growth that support jobs and prosperity across Scotland.
“We have a rich history with India and this visit is also an opportunity to deepen connections through sport, education and our shared Commonwealth ties to support tourism, cultural exchange and create lasting partnerships that benefit both countries.”
Mr Swinney will be joined by representatives from Salmon Scotland, the Scotch Whisky Association, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, VisitScotland and the higher education sector.
In July, the UK-India free trade agreement officially came into force which halved Indian import tariffs on Scotch whisky from 150% to 75%.
Scotch Whisky Association chief executive Mark Kent said: “Earlier this year, the Scotch whisky sector warmly welcomed the entry into force of the free trade agreement between the UK and India, which signalled an important milestone with the immediate halving of tariffs on Scotch whisky in a growing market.
“India is the largest whisky market in the world and the Scottish Government’s visit to India is a good opportunity to explore the market’s considerable potential for export growth over the coming years, for Scotch whisky producers of all sizes.”
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “This is an important visit to a significant market for salmon from Scotland and I thank the First Minister for his time and commitment to this endeavour.”
The First Minister is due to visit India between October 20 and 27.