India-UK CETA to Come into Force on July 15, PM Narendra Modi Announces

Trade agreement and Double Contribution Convention to be implemented together, expanding export opportunities and bilateral economic cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will take effect on July 15, marking a new phase in economic cooperation between India and the United Kingdom.

The announcement was made during the Prime Minister's interaction with the media after his meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France.

Speaking on the development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said:

“PM Starmer and I, who are in Evian for the G7 Summit, are naturally very happy with the momentum being added to our economic ties.”

He further stated:

“Both Starmer and I, are very happy with the significant momentum being added to our economic ties. This comes after both sides indicated ironing out of pending issues.”

Prime Minister Modi said the agreement would create new opportunities for Indian farmers, workers, MSMEs, startups and innovators, while contributing to the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Describing the agreement, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said it represents a significant development in economic cooperation. He stated that the simultaneous implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Double Contribution Convention on 15th July 2026 would expand opportunities for India's exports.

Piyush Goyal said:

“By securing immediate duty-free access on 99 per cent of our tariff lines, we have systematically dismantled long-standing tariff walls. This will effectively level the playing field, allowing our textiles, leather, marine, engineering and processed food sectors to compete with no disadvantage and supply their world class products.”

The implementation timeline was also confirmed by UK High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron, who said the agreement would come into force on July 15.

The agreement follows discussions between the two countries under the 15th JETCO meeting, where India and the UK formally launched trade negotiations. According to the announced framework, the agreement is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment, while unlocking opportunities for Indian farmers, workers, MSMEs, startups and innovators.

The report also noted that UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle and Trade Policy Minister Chris Bryant visited India on June 2 for discussions aimed at advancing trade ties and accelerating implementation of the agreement.