- India and UK sign Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) boosting bilateral trade with duty-free access for 99% of India’s exports.
- CETA opens new market opportunities for farmers, artisans, MSMEs, startups, and professionals by making visa and social security rules simpler.
- Expanded services sector access and protections under CETA aim to double trade volume to USD 112 billion by 2030.
India UK FTA, officially called the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), is an important deal signed recently to strengthen economic partnership between India and the United Kingdom. This trade agreement focuses on expanding access for goods and services, especially helping farmers, artisans, MSMEs, startups, and Indian professionals working in the UK. As both countries want to grow their relationship, CETA offers strong benefits that match India’s growth and global trade goals.
Key Benefits of the India UK FTA (CETA) for Farmers and Artisans
CETA promises duty-free access to the UK for 99% of Indian exports, removing tariffs and lowering trade hurdles. This is a big help for farmers and artisans by making it easier to export textiles, marine products, leather, footwear, sports goods, toys, and gems and jewellery. These labour-intensive industries will gain wider market reach and better competitiveness, which can raise incomes and encourage sustainable production.
Market Opportunities for MSMEs, Startups, and Innovators
Small businesses and startups in India get more chances thanks to the agreement’s support rules. MSMEs and innovators can enter new UK markets through simpler regulations and fewer non-tariff barriers that make business easier. CETA also supports innovation, sustainable methods, and includes women and youth entrepreneurs by linking them to global value chains.
Boosting Employment and Professional Mobility Between India and UK
Indian professionals working in the UK will benefit from simpler visa processes, making it easier for contractual service providers, business visitors, and independent professionals like architects, engineers, chefs, yoga instructors, and musicians. The innovative Double Contribution Convention exempts Indian workers and their employers from UK social security contributions for up to three years, improving cost competitiveness and take-home pay.
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Expanding Services Sector Access under India UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement
The services sector, a main part of India’s economy, gets better access to the UK market through CETA. Key sectors like IT and IT-enabled services, financial and legal jobs, education, and digital trade find big new openings. This growth helps India provide high-value services worldwide, supporting growth and creating jobs.
How Artisans, Farmers and MSMEs Can Use CETA for Growth
To fully benefit from CETA, artisans and farmers should learn about duty-free export steps and rules. MSMEs and startups should look for partnership chances in the UK and use help from government and trade bodies to navigate the larger market. Using digital platforms and innovation incentives can help grow businesses internationally under the agreement’s supportive setup.
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Signing | 24 July 2025 |
| Key Signatories | Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal & UK Secretary Jonathan Reynolds |
| Market Access for Indian Exports | Duty-free access for 99% |
| Trade Volume (Current) | USD 56 billion |
| Trade Volume Target by 2030 | USD 112 billion |
| Official Website | commerce.gov.in |
Overall, the India UK FTA is a game-changer for boosting trade between the two countries, helping farmers and artisans, supporting MSMEs and startups, and giving new chances for Indian professionals abroad. You can find official updates and detailed guidelines on the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s website to take full part in this exciting new stage of India-UK economic cooperation.