Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Agreement on Social Security, calling them a significant milestone in bilateral ties. The agreements are set to boost exports, investments, skilled workforce mobility and economic cooperation between the two nations.
Key Highlights
- PM Modi calls the India-UK Free Trade Agreement a significant milestone in bilateral relations.
- CETA provides zero-duty market access for nearly 99% of India’s exports to the UK.
- Social Security Agreement exempts eligible Indian professionals from double social security contributions for up to five years.
- MSMEs, farmers, manufacturers and service sectors are expected to benefit from the landmark pact.
New Delhi, July 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Agreement on Social Security as a “significant moment” in the strategic partnership between the two countries. He said the landmark agreements would strengthen trade, investment, technology, innovation and workforce mobility, creating new opportunities for businesses and citizens on both sides.
Sharing Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s announcement on X, the Prime Minister said the twin agreements would deepen economic linkages between India and the United Kingdom. He noted that the India-UK Free Trade Agreement reflects the shared ambition of both democracies to transform economic cooperation into tangible benefits for people and industries.
Highlighting the economic impact of the agreement, Modi said the CETA would provide fresh momentum to farmers, entrepreneurs, startups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by improving access to the UK market. He added that the agreement would also strengthen collaboration in technology, professional services, innovation and high-value industries, while promoting greater mobility for skilled Indian professionals.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the significance of the Agreement on Social Security, which will support Indian professionals working on temporary assignments in the UK. The pact exempts eligible workers from paying double social security contributions for up to five years, enhancing the competitiveness of Indian businesses operating internationally.
Earlier, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal described the agreement as a defining milestone in India-UK relations. He said the landmark pact, signed under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, provides zero-duty market access for nearly 99% of India’s exports, covering almost the entire value of bilateral merchandise trade.
According to Goyal, the agreement is expected to unlock major growth opportunities across sectors such as textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, marine products, chemicals and processed food. It will also benefit IT, financial services, education, professional services and business services, while encouraging stronger trade, investment and long-term economic cooperation between India and the United Kingdom.
The implementation of the India-UK CETA and the Agreement on Social Security marks a new chapter in bilateral relations, strengthening economic cooperation while creating greater opportunities for exporters, businesses, professionals and investors in both countries.
