India and the UK operationalised the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) on 15 July 2026. Taking effect alongside the CETA, was the Agreement on Social Security, also referred to as the Double Contribution Convention (DCC), that reinforces the mobility and competitiveness of Indian professionals in the United Kingdom. Together, they mark strengthening the strategic bilateral partnership. CETA marks the first major such agreement and is a landmark as it grants Indian exports zero-duty access to 99 per cent of tariff lines in the UK market. Tariffs of up to 70% on processed food products, over 21% on marine products, around 18% on engineering goods and auto components, up to 16% on leather and footwear products and around 12% on textiles and clothing will be reduced to zero. This makes Indian exports competitive in the UK market, giving boost to incomes of farmers, fishermen, MSMEs and manufacturers. 

India managed to protect important sectors domestically such as dairy products, cereals, millets, edible oils, oilseeds, apples and vegetables and products. Briefing the media in New Delhi on the day the CETA came into effect, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal described the India-UK CETA as a defining milestone in India’s trade journey. It is a model such agreement between two developed economies.