New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed the implementation of the India-United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Agreement on Social Security, calling it a significant milestone in bilateral relations that will strengthen economic cooperation and create new opportunities for businesses, farmers, professionals, and skilled workers in both countries.
The landmark agreements officially came into force on July 15, marking a new phase in India-UK economic relations. The agreements are expected to boost bilateral trade, attract investments, expand services exports, and improve mobility for Indian professionals while reinforcing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said the agreements reflect the shared ambition of India and the UK to build stronger economic ties through trade, technology, innovation, and investment. He added that the CETA would provide fresh momentum to India's farmers, entrepreneurs, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), while enabling key sectors to gain wider access to the UK market.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that the agreement would strengthen cooperation in technology, professional services, and innovation, while supporting greater mobility for skilled Indian professionals.
Speaking about the Agreement on Social Security, Modi said it would offer significant relief to Indian professionals working temporarily in the UK by exempting them from double social security contributions, thereby improving the competitiveness of Indian businesses.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal described the implementation of the agreements as a defining milestone in India-UK relations. He stated that the free trade agreement provides zero-duty market access for nearly 99% of India's exports, covering almost the entire trade value.
According to Goyal, the agreement is expected to benefit sectors including textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, marine products, chemicals, and processed foods. It will also create new opportunities for India's IT, financial, education, and professional services sectors.
The accompanying Social Security Agreement exempts Indian professionals on temporary assignments in the UK from making dual social security contributions for up to five years, making India's skilled workforce more globally competitive.
The Ministry of External Affairs also welcomed the implementation, describing it as a defining moment in India-UK relations that will unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, innovation, and employment.
The India-UK CETA was negotiated through 14 rounds of discussions following the launch of the Enhanced Trade Partnership and Roadmap 2030 in 2021. The agreement was concluded in May 2025 and formally signed in London on July 24, 2025.
Comprising 30 chapters, the agreement covers trade in goods and services, digital trade, financial services, intellectual property, government procurement, innovation, sustainability, MSMEs, and transparency while safeguarding sensitive sectors such as dairy, cereals, edible oils, and select agricultural products.
