India-UK CETA takes effect

The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) came into effect on July 15, 2026, granting zero-duty access to nearly 99% of Indian exports to the United Kingdom. The agreement aims to deepen bilateral trade and investment through improved market access, simplified trade procedures, enhanced services commitments, and greater professional mobility. It covers 30 chapters including goods, services, digital commerce, investment, innovation, and sustainable development. Labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear, gems and jewellery, handicrafts, food processing, auto components, plastics, and organic chemicals are expected to see higher exports and employment generation. India has protected sensitive sectors like dairy, cereals, and certain vehicles from immediate competition. The Double Contribution Convention on social security also came into force, providing relief to Indian professionals in the UK. The agreement was signed in London on July 24, 2025, in the presence of Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer.