The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) that took effect on 15 July 2026 aims to improve bilateral trade, market access, simplify procedures and reduce trade barriers.
The agreement, signed on 24 July 2025, grants zero-duty access to almost 99% of exports from India, that in turn constitutes almost 100% of trade value. Around 89.5% of UK exports to India will enjoy tariff concessions, covering 91% of total exports from the country. This will result in 24.5% of export value receiving immediate duty-free access, with the rest enjoying gradual implementation of concessions.
The CETA is designed to protect sensitive sectors such as agriculture, and high-value products such as jewellery, while expanding benefits to many industries.
Industries to benefit include food processing, textiles, leather and footwear, marine products, engineering goods, electronics and software, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and steel, etc. The provisions also include several socio-economic benefits promoting sustainable development.
The CETA is accompanied by the Agreement on Social Security, taking effect on the same day, assists the economic partnership between the two countries.
Both countries will also pursue mutual recognition agreements for professional qualifications, which will cover nursing, accountancy and architecture, reducing barriers and facilitating the exchange of best practices.
Following this, the UK will no longer impose the economics needs test or numerical restrictions, easing quotas on different types of visas and market entry evaluations.