New Delhi, June 18: India and the United Kingdom (UK) announced on Wednesday that the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will come into effect on July 15. This marks the beginning of a new phase in the economic relationship between the two nations.
On the same day, the Social Security Agreement, known as the Double Contribution Convention (DCC), will also be implemented. This will provide greater convenience for Indian professionals working in the UK and enhance their competitiveness.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, the duration of benefits under the DCC has been extended from three years to five years. This is considered a significant achievement for Indian employees temporarily working in the UK.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed on social media, “This is a historic achievement for India-UK relations. I am pleased that the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement will be effective from July 15, 2026. This agreement will significantly boost trade and investment between our countries.”
He further stated, “This will open up numerous opportunities for Indian farmers, workers, MSMEs, startups, and innovators. It will also play a crucial role in achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047. I, along with Prime Minister Starmer, am very happy with the new momentum in our economic relations.”
The foundation of this historic agreement was laid in May 2021 when both countries adopted the Enhanced Trade Partnership and the India-UK Roadmap 2030. The goal was to elevate their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and increase bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated, “The simultaneous implementation of CETA and the DCC from July 15, 2026, will create significant opportunities for India’s exports. Immediate duty-free access on 99 percent of our tariff lines will eliminate long-standing tariff barriers.”
He added that this will provide equal opportunities for sectors like textiles, leather, marine products, engineering, and processed foods, allowing them to sell their high-quality products in the global market without any hindrance.
The 30-chapter CETA is viewed as a new model for next-generation trade agreements. It directly supports India’s vision of a ‘Developed India 2047.’
This agreement is not limited to reducing import-export duties. It also encompasses modern sectors such as digital trade, telecommunications, financial services, intellectual property rights, and, for the first time, government procurement at the bilateral level.
According to the ministry, the simultaneous implementation of CETA and DCC will bring about significant and structural changes in India’s global trade framework. Additionally, India has ensured the protection of sensitive sectors such as dairy products, grains, millets, edible oils, seeds, apples, and various vegetables.
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