India-UK CETA comes into force ,Goyal calls it defining milestone

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday welcomed the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the accompanying Agreement on Social Security, calling it a defining milestone that will deepen bilateral economic ties and create new opportunities for trade, investment and employment.
Sharing his views on X, Goyal said, "Today marks a defining milestone in India-UK ties. Under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi ji, the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Agreement on Social Security have come into force, delivering zero-duty market access for nearly 99% of India’s exports, covering almost 100% of trade value."He said the agreement would provide a major boost to sectors such as textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, marine products, chemicals, processed foods, manufacturing, agriculture and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).The minister also said the pact would unlock fresh opportunities for India's information technology, professional, financial, education and business services sectors while expanding mobility prospects for Indian professionals working in the United Kingdom.
Highlighting the significance of the accompanying social security agreement, Goyal said Indian professionals on temporary assignments in the UK would be exempt from making double social security contributions for up to five years, a move expected to improve the global competitiveness of India's skilled workforce.Expressing appreciation for the efforts behind the agreement, Goyal said, "I thank my friend and counterpart Peter Kyle, and both negotiating teams, for their commitment in bringing this transformational agreement to fruition. Together, we remain committed to building a resilient, innovation-driven partnership that will drive growth, investment and shared prosperity for generations to come."

Today marks a defining milestone in India-UK ties. ????????????????????

Under the dynamic leadership of Hon'ble PM @NarendraModi ji, the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Agreement on Social Security, have come into force, delivering zero-duty market access… pic.twitter.com/2rmRIGESdc

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) July 15, 2026

In another post, the minister said the implementation of the free trade agreement would strengthen trade, investment and innovation between the two countries while supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.He said the agreement reflects the aspirations and capabilities of the Indian people and is expected to benefit farmers, women, youth, MSMEs, innovators, professionals and fisherfolk by creating wider economic opportunities across sectors.
The India-UK CETA is one of India's most comprehensive free trade agreements, aimed at expanding market access, encouraging investments and strengthening cooperation in goods, services, technology and innovation. It traces its origins to the India-UK Enhanced Trade Partnership and Roadmap 2030, launched in 2021 with the goal of doubling bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030.
According to media reports, after 14 rounds of negotiations, the agreement was concluded on May 6, 2025, and formally signed in London on July 24, 2025, by Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.The pact comprises 30 chapters covering trade in goods and services, digital trade, telecommunications, financial services, intellectual property, government procurement, innovation, sustainability, MSMEs and transparency. It grants duty-free access to nearly 99 per cent of India's exports to the UK by tariff lines, covering almost the entire value of bilateral trade, while protecting sensitive sectors such as dairy, cereals, edible oils and selected agricultural products. Alongside CETA, the Double Contribution Convention exempts Indian professionals on temporary assignments in the UK from dual social security contributions for up to five years, enhancing workforce mobility and reducing employment costs.

(Business Correspondent)