New Delhi, July 15: The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) has welcomed the implementation of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), stating that it will create new opportunities in digital trade, investment, innovation, and talent exchange.
NASSCOM also expressed support for the Double Country Contribution Convention (DCC). Under this arrangement, Indian professionals going to the UK for short-term assignments will no longer need to contribute to UK social security for five years. Instead, they can continue their social security contributions in India during this period.
The organization noted that to further this collaboration, the NASSCOM UK Forum was launched in November 2025, bringing together leading Indian technology companies that invest significantly in the UK.
According to NASSCOM, the DCC has been finalized with the support of the Indian government, directly benefiting Indian professionals working temporarily in the UK.
The NASSCOM UK Forum will serve as a strategic platform to strengthen digital trade between India and the UK, advance the India-UK Technology Security Initiative, and promote collaboration among the governments, policymakers, and innovation ecosystems of both countries.
NASSCOM President Rajesh Nambiar stated that technology is becoming a key driver of economic growth. In this context, NASSCOM is committed to transforming this free trade agreement into tangible outcomes in trade, investment, innovation, and talent collaboration with both governments and the industry.
Meanwhile, NASSCOM UK Forum Chairman Manish Malhotra mentioned that the technology partnership between India and the UK is entering a new phase of growth. This forum will provide a long-term platform for the industry and government to shape the future of this strategic partnership.
He highlighted that a group of major Indian technology companies supports over 35,000 jobs in the UK, with approximately 62% of employees working outside London, thereby enhancing regional development, local talent growth, and artificial intelligence (AI) capacity building.
Additionally, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced on Wednesday that the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the social security agreement have been implemented. This will allow nearly 99% of India’s exports to enter the market at zero duty, covering almost 100% of trade value between the two countries.
FICCI President Anant Goenka stated that this historic agreement strengthens the vision of a ‘Developed India‘ and will provide new direction for the country’s sustainable economic growth, global competitiveness, and deeper economic engagement with international markets.
He emphasized that as India rapidly moves towards becoming a developed economy, such high-quality economic partnerships will play a crucial role in creating new business opportunities, enhancing industrial capacity, and strengthening India’s participation in the global trade and investment network.
According to FICCI, this agreement reflects a visionary approach to economic cooperation and will give new momentum to India’s journey of prosperity, innovation, and economic transformation.
Leave a Comment