India-UK FTA to come into force in May this year

The Comprehensive Economic & Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the UK is set to come into force in mid-May 2026. Under this FTA, 99% of Indian exports will get zero duty benefit in the UK market. Sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, auto components, leather, and marine products are expected to see a massive boost. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said on Wednesday that negotiations for the India–EU FTA are also progressing, with the agreement likely to be signed before the end of the current calendar year and operationalised within the present financial year.
Speaking on India’s ongoing trade engagements, Agarwal said India has also concluded negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand, with domestic processes for signing and ratification currently underway. He added that trade discussions are underway with countries such as Peru, Chile, Israel, and Canada, as well as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Terms of Reference have also been finalised for negotiations with the Philippines, Maldives, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
At the same time, talks are ongoing with several countries and regions. Negotiations are in progress with Australia for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and with Sri Lanka for an Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA). India is also reviewing existing agreements, including the ongoing discussions for upgrading the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with South Korea.
He further informed that negotiations for the proposed India–United States Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) will resume this month. An Indian delegation is scheduled to visit the United States from April 20 to 22 to take forward discussions, following an interim trade arrangement announced earlier this year. Agarwal noted that the US had removed additional tariffs earlier this year, while certain tariff measures under US trade laws continue to remain in place.