Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 2: The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is expected to come into force in the first half of 2026, heralding a new era of economic partnership, British Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Fleming said. He described the pact as the most “comprehensive and ambitious” trade deal negotiated by both nations.

Spanning nearly 20,000 pages, the agreement is aimed at offering opportunities for businesses of all sizes, particularly exporters in West Bengal and the 12 states across East and Northeast India. Fleming urged regional businesses to begin preparations to fully harness the benefits of the upcoming deal.

India signed the CETA with the UK on July 24, marking its most ambitious trade pact to date. Covering 26 sectors, from tariffs to technology, the agreement seeks to double bilateral trade in goods and services to USD 112 billion from the current USD 56 billion.

Under the pact, Indian exporters will gain duty-free access for 99 per cent of their products to the UK market, covering nearly 100 per cent of trade value. Labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, marine products, gems and jewellery, and toys, along with high-growth sectors including engineering goods, chemicals, and auto components, are set to benefit. The agreement also includes provisions for UK exports, such as tariff rationalisation for whisky.

CETA extends beyond goods to cover services, a core strength of India’s economy. India exported over USD 19.8 billion in services to the UK in 2023, and the new framework aims to expand this further through enhanced mobility for IT professionals.

A notable feature of the agreement is a first-of-its-kind chapter on women and gender, highlighted by Fleming as particularly relevant for West Bengal, which leads India in woman-led businesses at 23 per cent. The provision is expected to boost employment and empower artisans and MSMEs.

The deal also aligns with the ‘Vision 2035’ roadmap for deeper bilateral ties across information technology, financial services, education, telecom, and engineering. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said the free trade agreement will act as a catalyst for inclusive growth, benefiting farmers, artisans, and innovators while safeguarding India’s strategic interests and accelerating its journey to become a global economic powerhouse.