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.

The prime ministers of Britain and India have sealed a major trade agreement that will reduce tariffs on products like Scotch whisky and Indian spices.