India-UK Free Trade Agreement to Take Effect on July 15, 2026
India and the United Kingdom will implement their Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a landmark free trade deal, on July 15, 2026. The agreement, signed in July 2025 after nearly three years of negotiations, aims to boost bilateral trade by $25.5 billion annually and enhance economic cooperation. Key provisions include significant tariff reductions on goods like Scotch whisky, automobiles, textiles, and processed foods. Despite a dispute over UK steel tariffs, resolved after talks between Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer, the deal and the accompanying Double Contribution Convention on social security for temporary workers will take effect as scheduled, promising expanded market access and new opportunities for businesses and professionals in both countries.