Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has announced a comprehensive support framework to help Indian businesses leverage the benefits of the India-United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which is set to come into force on 15 July 2026. The initiative includes the deployment of 1,000 advisory personnel across the country and the enhancement of the government’s trade portal to provide businesses with easier access to information, guidance, and export opportunities.
The announcement was made during the Minister’s participation in the 10th Annual UK-India Week in London, where he took part in several high-level engagements focused on strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.
Describing the India-UK CETA as India’s most comprehensive free trade agreement to date, Goyal said the pact is expected to increase bilateral trade by GBP 25.5 billion annually, creating significant opportunities for businesses, professionals, and investors in both countries. He emphasized that the agreement marks a new phase in the strategic partnership between India and the United Kingdom, extending beyond traditional trade into emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, critical minerals, clean energy, defence, and advanced technology.
Speaking at the India Global Forum (IGF) Capital Frontiers Forum, the Minister highlighted the expanding scope of India-UK economic ties. He noted that the relationship has evolved into a multidimensional partnership driven by innovation, investment, and technology collaboration, reflecting the growing confidence between the two nations.
At a reception jointly hosted by the High Commission of India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Goyal welcomed the largest and most geographically diverse Indian business delegation to visit the United Kingdom. The delegation featured companies from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities alongside several first-time exporters, demonstrating the broadening participation of Indian enterprises in international trade.
The Minister said the government’s advisory network would play a crucial role in helping exporters, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs understand the provisions of the CETA and effectively utilize the opportunities arising from the agreement. The upgraded trade portal will serve as a digital resource, offering information on market access, regulatory requirements, export procedures, and sector-specific benefits.
Highlighting the advantages for Indian professionals, Goyal pointed to a significant provision in the agreement that grants eligible Indian workers in the United Kingdom a five-year exemption from social security contributions. According to him, this measure will allow professionals to retain higher earnings and invest these savings in interest-bearing, tax-free provident fund accounts in India, providing long-term financial benefits.
The Minister also stressed the importance of strengthening regional economic partnerships between India and the UK. He cited examples such as the Birmingham-Gujarat and Manchester-Maharashtra collaborations, describing these sub-national linkages as key drivers for future trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.
Reaffirming India’s position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, Goyal encouraged businesses to promote Brand India with confidence and capitalize on the country’s strengths in manufacturing, services, innovation, and skilled human resources. He said the CETA would improve market access, enhance the competitiveness of Indian enterprises, facilitate greater mobility for professionals, and generate fresh opportunities across goods, services, and investments.
The Minister further stated that India has emerged as a trusted global economic partner, offering a stable and transparent business environment backed by a talented workforce and sustained economic growth. He urged Indian companies to become early movers in the UK market by adopting international quality standards, investing in innovation, and building long-term partnerships with British businesses.
Concluding his address, Goyal said the India-UK CETA represents a transformative milestone in bilateral economic relations. With government-backed advisory support, digital facilitation, and expanded market opportunities, the agreement is expected to accelerate India’s export growth while strengthening trade and investment ties between the two nations in the years ahead.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
