New Delhi: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal announced on Friday that the long-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom is expected to be implemented by mid-April 2026. This landmark deal, formally known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), was signed in July 2025 and is currently undergoing its final approval stages. Goyal noted that this timeline represents one of the fastest approvals by the British Parliament, which typically requires eighteen months to process similar international pacts.
Under the provisions of CETA, approximately 99 per cent of Indian exports will enter the UK market duty-free, providing a massive boost to domestic manufacturing and textiles. Conversely, India will lower tariffs on prominent British imports, including automobiles and Scotch whisky. The services sector, a cornerstone of the Indian economy, is also slated for significant expansion. The agreement facilitates enhanced market access for IT services, financial and legal consulting, and digital trade, creating new avenues for Indian firms to operate within the British landscape.
A key highlight of the deal is the liberalisation of professional movement. Indian experts in fields ranging from engineering and architecture to yoga instruction and music will benefit from simplified visa procedures and entry categories. Crucially, the agreement will be implemented alongside a Double Contribution Convention (DCC). This convention will exempt Indian professionals and their employers from paying social security in the UK for up to three years, a move expected to drastically improve the cost competitiveness of Indian talent on the global stage.
In India, the agreement is approved by the Union Cabinet, while it awaits the final green light from the UK Parliament. Goyal, speaking at an event organized by ASSOCHAM, emphasized that the Entry Into Force (EIF) is targeted for just one month from now. This strategic partnership is viewed as a defining moment for bilateral relations, promising to deepen economic integration and foster a more resilient supply chain between the two nations in the post-Brexitera.
