DGFT Spotlights India–UK Trade Pact Benefits
India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has highlighted the transformative potential of the recently concluded India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), calling it a landmark deal that will open new export opportunities for Indian industries while reinforcing bilateral trade ties with the UK.
Speaking at a seminar in Nagpur, DGFT Assistant Director Snehal Dhokey outlined the benefits of the agreement to local exporters. The session, organised jointly by the Vidarbha Industries Association and the Nag Vidarbha Chamber of Commerce, aimed to equip businesses with insights on how to leverage the pact.
Dhokey highlighted that CETA will eliminate tariffs on a wide range of Indian exports, including textiles, engineering goods, handicrafts, agricultural products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and plastics. For the UK, reduced tariffs are expected to lower import costs, helping retailers, manufacturers and consumers access Indian products at more competitive prices.
The seminar also pointed to Nagpur’s growing IT services sector, noting that rising demand for digital and outsourcing solutions could foster deeper collaboration between Indian service providers and UK firms seeking reliable, cost-effective technology support.
Signed in July 2025 after extensive negotiations, the trade pact not only reduces tariffs but also introduces simplified customs procedures, easing cross-border operations and cutting delays at ports.
According to analysts, the deal supports the UK’s post-Brexit trade diversification strategy by enhancing access to Indian markets in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, financial services, and technology. For Indian exporters, it offers a chance to expand their footprint in the UK while boosting supply for British industries.
Concluding the seminar, Dhokey emphasized the importance of awareness and preparedness among Indian exporters. “This agreement is not just about tariff reductions, it’s about strengthening partnerships that create long-term value for both economies,” he said.
The India–UK CETA is expected to significantly increase bilateral trade volumes in the coming years, marking a milestone in the economic strategies of both nations.
