New Delhi: India and the UK on Wednesday confirmed that the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will enter into force on July 15, a move set to deepen bilateral economic engagement.
At the same time, the two countries said the Social Security Agreement — known as the Double Contribution Convention (DCC) — will also take effect on the same date, strengthening the ease of movement and competitiveness of Indian professionals working in the UK, as reported by The Tribune.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X: “A historic milestone for India-UK relations. Delighted to note that the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement will come into force on July 15. This agreement will significantly boost our bilateral trade and investment.”
He added that the pact will open fresh avenues for Indian farmers, workers, MSMEs, startups and innovators, and help advance the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. “It will also unlock numerous opportunities for Indian farmers, workers, MSMEs, startups and innovators, and contribute meaningfully to the realisation of Viksit Bharat 2047. Both PM Starmer and I, who are in Evian for the G7 Summit, are naturally very happy with the significant momentum being added to our economic ties,” he said.
Immediate Tariff Removals
From July 15, a broad set of UK tariffs on Indian goods will be scrapped, granting immediate duty-free access across numerous categories. The cuts cover duties as high as 70% on processed foods, 21.5% on marine products, 18% on engineering items and auto components, 16% on leather and footwear, 12% on textiles and clothing, and 8% on chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Officials say removing these duties will instantly sharpen the price competitiveness of Indian exports in the UK, opening fresh markets for farmers, fishers, workers, MSMEs and manufacturers, and helping Indian firms plug more easily into global value chains.
The tariff rollbacks are also expected to boost manufacturing at home, enabling everything from traditional artisans to large factories and regional industrial clusters to compete in the UK from day one.
At the same time, India secured safeguards for vulnerable agricultural and food products. The deal keeps items such as dairy, cereals, millets, edible oils, oilseeds, apples and several vegetables excluded from immediate liberalisation.
On services, the UK has offered one of its most wide-ranging commitments, covering all main services sectors and 137 sub-sectors of export interest to India. That commitment should expand market access and give clearer regulatory certainty to Indian providers in IT and ITeS, financial and professional services, healthcare, education, engineering, telecoms and consultancy.
Social Security Cover Extended
Indian employees on short-term UK assignments and their employers will be exempt from paying social security in both countries from July 15. The exemption increases from three to five years, and officials estimate the deal will help more than 75,000 Indian professionals and around 900 companies. The agreement preserves workers’ social security rights while making it easier for Indian staff to take temporary roles in the UK, strengthening services cooperation.
Together, the CETA and DCC are positioned to provide immediate market access for Indian goods, expanded opportunities in services, and smoother short-term mobility for professionals — all coming into effect on July 15.
