Indian exports top $140 million to UK on first day of trade pact rollout
New Delhi: India exported more than $140 million worth of goods to the UK on the first day of the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive
New Delhi: India exported more than $140 million worth of goods to the UK on the first day of the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), commerce secretary Rajesh Agarwal said on Wednesday. India and the UK are targeting $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 under the agreement, which was signed in July 2025 to deepen bilateral trade and investment as well as facilitate the movement of professionals between the two countries. Bilateral trade in goods stood at $25.12 billion in FY26, with India's exports to the UK exceeding imports by $1.76 billion, according to commerce ministry data. Speaking at a ceremony in New Delhi to mark the occasion, in the presence of industry representatives and British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron, Agarwal said the next milestone would be to assess, a year from now, how the agreement has transformed the lives of people in both countries through increased trade and economic opportunities. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What is the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)? ⌵ The CETA is a trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs, expanding market access, and enhancing economic cooperation between India and the UK, effective from July 2025. 2 How does CETA benefit Indian exporters? ⌵ CETA provides Indian exporters with duty-free access for 99.5% of their exports to the UK, significantly enhancing competitiveness for sectors like textiles and agriculture. 3 Why were certain sensitive sectors protected under CETA? ⌵ Sensitive sectors, including agriculture and strategically important industries, were protected through exclusions or phased tariff reductions to safeguard domestic producers from competition.
4 What products are expected to become cheaper for Indian consumers due to the trade deal? ⌵ Consumers may see lower prices on products like Scotch whisky, premium British cars, and selected food items as tariffs are reduced under CETA. 5 How will CETA impact India's bilateral trade with the UK by 2030? ⌵ CETA is expected to boost bilateral trade between India and the UK to $100 billion by 2030, enhancing economic opportunities and cooperation in various sectors. Under the agreement, Indian exporters will receive duty-free access for 99.5% of the value of India's exports to the UK, covering 98.8% of tariff lines, effectively eliminating duties across a wide range of labour-intensive and manufacturing sectors. India, in turn, has offered preferential market access covering 89.4% of the value of UK exports, with tariff reductions being phased in for sensitive products. Prime minister Narendra Modi hailed the operationalisation of the trade pact as a significant moment in the India-UK partnership. “With the coming into force of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Agreement on Social Security, our economic linkages are going to get even deeper. Together, these agreements translate our shared ambition into tangible opportunities for our people,” Modi wrote on X. Fresh momentum He added that the CETA will give fresh momentum to India's farmers, entrepreneurs and MSMEs. Several vibrant sectors will gain stronger access to the UK market. The trade agreement will also deepen cooperation in technology, professional services and innovation, while supporting greater mobility for skilled Indian talent.
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