India-UK FTA To Take Effect From July 15
India and the United Kingdom have announced that their landmark Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will come into force on July 15, marking a major step forward in bilateral economic relations and paving the way for increased trade, investment and market access between the two countries.
The agreement will provide duty-free access to 99 percent of Indian exports to the UK, creating significant opportunities for sectors such as textiles and apparel, leather, footwear, engineering goods, chemicals, marine products and processed foods. In return, India will reduce tariffs on a wide range of British products, including automobiles and Scotch whisky.
The implementation follows the resolution of outstanding issues related to Britain’s steel safeguard measures. Both countries have reached a mutually acceptable framework that will ensure continued market access for a substantial share of Indian steel exports while maintaining a balanced trading environment.
According to official estimates, the trade pact is expected to significantly expand bilateral trade and strengthen economic cooperation. The agreement is projected to generate new opportunities for businesses, MSMEs, exporters and professionals in both countries.
Alongside the trade agreement, the India-UK Double Contribution Convention will also take effect on July 15. The arrangement will allow professionals working temporarily in either country to continue contributing to their home social security systems without making duplicate contributions, reducing costs for employees and employers alike.
The rollout of the India-UK trade agreement is being viewed as one of India’s most significant trade achievements in recent years and comes as the country accelerates negotiations with several major global trading partners to expand export opportunities and deepen international economic engagement.
