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Informist, Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2026

 

--India-UK FTA to come into force July 15 

 

NEW DELHI – The landmark free trade agreement between India and the UK, worth around $6.5 billion, will come into force on Jul. 15, the British government said Wednesday. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement will come into force nearly a year after it was signed. The implementation of the agreement was delayed because of the UK's curbs on steel imports.

 

"The UK and India have today (Wednesday 17th June) announced their landmark trade deal will enter into force next month so working people and businesses can benefit," the UK government said in a statement. "Businesses, who now have 28 days to prepare for the entry-into-force, will be able to trade under its terms from July 15th, following strenuous efforts to prepare UK and Indian systems."

 

Under the deal, the UK has committed to tariff concessions on 99% of Indian goods exports to the country. New Delhi has also offered duty cuts on 90% tariff lines.

 

"A historic milestone for India-UK relations," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. "This agreement will significantly boost our bilateral trade and investment. The trade agreement will unlock numerous opportunities for farmers, workers, small businesses, startups and innovators."

 

Along with the trade pact implementation, the agreement on Social Security--also referred to as the Double Contribution Convention--will come into effect on Jul. 15, "reinforcing the mobility and competitiveness of Indian professionals in the United Kingdom", the commerce ministry said in a release. The period of exemption under the double contribution convention has also been increased to five years from three years, "marking a major gain for India's temporary workers", the ministry said.

 

Under the trade agreement, India will cut whisky tariffs to 40% from 150% and automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from 100%. The UK will cut tariffs on Indian goods such as clothes, footwear, and some food products.

 

"This next-generation pact opens up significant new opportunities for India's exports, providing a level-playing field for our textiles, leather, marine, engineering, and processed food sectors, among others," Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on X. "It also leverages India's manufacturing prowess, service capabilities, and grassroots production directly into one of the world's premier consumer markets."  End

 

US$1 = INR 94.52

 

Reported by Shubham Rana

Edited by Rajeev Pai

 

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