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Chapter 3 — Trade Policy
Trade Policy

India-UK Free Trade Agreement CETA: The Most Significant Post-Brexit Bilateral Deal

Signed July 24, 2025, the CETA aims to double $56 billion bilateral trade by 2030 with 99% Indian exports duty-free.

SS
Mr. Sridhar Seshadri
Chief Executive Officer, World Development Council
February 2026 · 9 min

The India-UK CETA represents the UK's most economically significant bilateral FTA since Brexit. Expected in force April 2026.

Commerce Minister Goyal and UK Secretary Reynolds signed the agreement in the presence of PM Modi and PM Starmer.

Market Access

99% Indian exports duty-free. India opens 89.5% tariff lines. Strategic phase-ins over 5-10 years for sensitive products.

Economic Impact

UK GDP boost £4.8B. Trade increase £25.5B/year by 2040. 75,000 workers exempt from UK social security via DCC.

Broader Context

Combined with India-EU FTA (Jan 27, 2026), Indian exporters gain access to 567M+ consumers.

India-UK CETAFree TradePost-Brexit

Discussion

1 comment
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Bala Prasad Peddigari Mar 18, 2026
CETA combined with India-EU FTA creates unprecedented market access for Indian MSMEs.
▲ 16 Reply

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