Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal announced the deployment of 1,000 advisory personnel and an upgraded trade portal to benefit businesses through the India-UK CETA. He also participated in high-level meetings during the 10th UK-India Week in London and highlighted the opportunities arising from this agreement, which is set to come into effect on July 15, 2026.
The India-UK CETA is India’s most comprehensive free trade agreement to date. It is projected to boost annual trade between the two countries by GBP 25.5 billion. At the India Global Forum (IGF) Capital Frontiers Forum, Mr. Goyal stated that the India-UK partnership is no longer limited to trade alone but now encompasses critical sectors such as technology, sovereign AI, critical minerals, defense, and clean energy, reflecting deeper and more diverse economic ties.
Shri Goyal welcomed the Indian business delegation to the UK, which included companies from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities as well as first-time exporters. They also stated that under the India-UK CETA, eligible Indian professionals working in the UK will receive a five-year exemption from social security contributions, enabling them to save in tax-free provident fund accounts in India.
piyush goyal highlighted India’s emergence as the fastest-growing major economy and urged business leaders to promote ‘Brand India’ globally. He stated that the India-UK CETA would improve market access, enhance competitiveness, facilitate the movement of professionals, and create new opportunities in goods, services, and investment.
Shri Goyal stated that there is immense potential for growth in the India-UK partnership. He called upon Indian industries to strengthen trade and investment ties with the UK, adopt global quality standards, and project ‘Brand India’ powerfully on the global stage. He also emphasized the pivotal role played by Indian enterprises in the country’s long-term economic growth. (PIB)
