Quote from Mr. Nirmal K Minda, President, ASSOCHAM
The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) marks a historic milestone in India’s FTA journey, bringing together two of the world’s oldest democracies through a comprehensive free trade partnership. Under the agreement, 99% of India’s exports to the UK will enjoy duty-free access, while India has opened 89.5% of its tariff lines to the UK.
The agreement is expected to significantly benefit Indian sectors such as textiles, leather, marine products, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, and chemicals. Likewise, the UK is set to gain across key sectors, including automotive, beverages and spirits, life sciences, and healthcare.
The duty-free market access will strengthen business opportunities in both countries by leveraging complementarities, expanding trade volumes, promoting investments, and generating greater economic welfare. This landmark agreement is the outcome of four years of sustained negotiations.
We look forward to the early implementation of the CETA and expect its benefits to become visible soon.
Bilateral trade is projected to nearly double from around USD 58 billion in 2025–26 to approximately USD 120 billion by 2030, ushering in a new era of economic cooperation between India and the UK.