Goyal unveils 1,000 advisors and upgraded trade portal for CETA implementation
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal announced the deployment of 1,000 advisory personnel across India and an upgraded trade portal to help businesses maximise the benefits of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), scheduled to take effect on July 15, 2026. The announcement came during his participation in the 10th Annual UK-India Week in London on Friday.
India-UK CETA: most comprehensive free trade agreement
Described as India's most comprehensive free trade agreement to date, the India-UK CETA is projected to increase bilateral trade by GBP 25.5 billion annually. The agreement covers goods, services, and investment, and is expected to enhance market access and competitiveness for Indian enterprises.
Addressing the India Global Forum (IGF) Capital Frontiers Forum, Goyal highlighted that the India-UK partnership has expanded beyond traditional trade to include strategic sectors such as technology, sovereign AI, critical minerals, defence, and clean energy. He noted that this evolution reflects the growing depth and diversity of bilateral economic engagement.
Five-year social security exemption for Indian professionals
Goyal emphasised the benefits of the CETA for Indian professionals, stating that the agreement provides a five-year exemption from social security contributions for eligible Indian professionals working in the UK. This allows them to redirect these savings into interest-bearing, tax-free provident fund accounts in India, boosting their long-term financial security.
Strengthening sub-national economic partnerships
The minister also underscored the importance of sub-national economic partnerships, pointing to region-to-region linkages such as Birmingham-Gujarat and Manchester-Maharashtra as key drivers of future bilateral growth. He encouraged businesses to leverage these connections to deepen trade and investment ties.
Goyal urged Indian businesses to showcase Brand India with confidence, adopt international quality standards, and build enduring partnerships with UK counterparts. He described India as representing trust, talent, inclusive growth, and a stable environment, offering immense opportunities for global partnerships and co-creation.
India as fastest-growing major economy
Underscoring India's emergence as the world's fastest-growing major economy, Goyal encouraged businesses to seize opportunities arising from sustained economic growth and expanding global engagement. He called on Indian enterprises to become early movers and contribute to the country's long-term economic growth aspirations.
According to the minister, the India-UK partnership holds immense potential for growth, and the CETA will facilitate greater mobility for professionals, enhance market access, and create new opportunities across goods, services, and investment.
