India And UK Activate CETA And Social Security Pact

Negotiations concluded after 14 rounds, with the trade text finalised on 6 May 2025 and signatures exchanged on 24 July 2025; the social security pact was signed on 10 February 2026. The arrangements build on the Enhanced Trade Partnership and the India–UK Roadmap 2030, which seek to double bilateral trade to USD 100 billion (bn) by 2030. CETA comprises 30 chapters and modernises engagement across goods, services and newer disciplines such as digital trade, telecommunications and government procurement. The framework also embeds provisions for innovation, small and medium enterprises and sustainability.

The UK’s services commitments cover 137 sub-sectors and aim to expand access for Indian providers in information technology and IT-enabled services, finance, professional services and education. Mobility provisions create predictable pathways for business visitors, intra-corporate transferees, contractual service suppliers, independent professionals and investors, and allocate 1,800 annual slots for chefs, yoga instructors and classical musicians. CETA will eliminate major tariffs across processed food, marine, engineering, textiles and other goods while maintaining exclusion lists for sensitive agricultural items.

The social security pact is expected to benefit more than 75,000 Indian professionals and over 900 companies by preventing dual contributions during temporary postings and supporting continued coverage. The partners also agreed on measures to protect steel trade and reduce disruption from UK policies beginning 1 July 2026, placing 85 per cent of India’s exports outside those measures and providing targeted safeguards on remaining lines. Implementation is presented as a people-centric step to deepen economic ties, boost competitiveness and advance the long-term Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.