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.

There is significant resistance to genetically modified (GM) crops in India. Only one GM crop — Bt cotton — is approved for cultivation.

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.