SUMMARY
With the implemenation of India-UK FTA, bilateral trade will double by 2030. India and the United Kingdom have cemented their long-standing economic ties with the commencement of exports under The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) on 15 July 2026. This landmark free trade deal ushers in a new era, aiming to double bilateral trade from around $60 billion to $120 billion by 2030. As the UK’s 11th largest trading partner (and 12th for exports), the agreement signifies a deepening partnership, offering 99% tariff-free access to Indian exports and reducing import duties on UK goods by up to 90%.

CETA is poised to transform the trade landscape, unlocking significant benefits for both nations. The removal of nearly all tariffs is set to propel Indian sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, leather, footwear, and engineering goods. For instance, the import duty on Indian gems and jewellery to the UK will fall from 4% to zero, while duties on textiles—India’s third-largest export to the UK—will be eliminated, giving Indian products a level playing field against competitors like Bangladesh and China.

Additionally, CETA’s focus on labor-intensive industries—textiles, leather, machinery, and food processing—will not only boost exports but also create jobs and support inclusive growth across India.

Traditionally dominated by merchandise goods, the India-UK trade relationship is now shifting toward greater collaboration in areas like IT, professional services, education, healthcare, and financial technology.

With CETA’s liberalization of cross-border services, Indian IT and ITeS companies are set to gain improved market access and faster work visa processing for professionals. This will allow them to service UK clients more efficiently and compete for high-value contracts in digital transformation, cloud computing, and AI development.

The agreement will also facilitate mutual recognition of professional qualifications for sectors such as accounting, architecture, and legal services, enabling Indian professionals to offer their expertise to UK clients more easily. Further, healthcare services—including medical tourism and telemedicine—are expected to benefit from streamlined regulations and recognition of qualifications, creating new revenue streams.

FOR WHOM
This workshop is designed for MSME owners, aspiring and existing exporters, entrepreneurs, industrial
decision-makers and all interested individuals.

Programme Date: September 18, 2026

Time: 2.00 PM to 5.00 PM

Fees (Incl. 18% GST): INR 500

Faculty: Mr. Suhayl Abidi Research Advisor, GoG-AMA Centre of International Trade and Editor, Foreign Trade Update