India-UK CETA comes into force

The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) came into effect on July 15, 2026, reducing tariffs on thousands of goods and increasing market access for services. The deal, signed in London on July 24, 2025, by India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and UK's then Secretary of State Ryan Reynolds, provides zero-duty access to nearly 99% of Indian exports to the UK, benefiting labour-intensive sectors like textiles, leather, and marine products. The UK gains phased tariff cuts on automobiles, whisky, and other goods. The agreement also includes a Double Contribution Convention exempting Indian professionals from UK social security contributions for up to five years. India excluded sensitive items like dairy, sugar, and smartphones. Bilateral trade is expected to nearly double to $120 billion by 2030.