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India-UK FTA Takes Effect: Govt Calls It India's Most Ambitious Trade Deal, Highlights Key Benefits
The pact cuts tariffs on most trade lines and exempts Indian professionals in Britain from social security payments for up to five years.
On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and Double Contribution Convention will come into effect. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal described the pact as a "gold standard" for bilateral trade.
Signed in July last year, this agreement establishes a future-oriented economic architecture between the two major economies. Agrawal called it one of the most ambitious free trade agreements India has operationalized to date.
Under the deal, the UK will eliminate tariffs on 99.5% of trade value, while India eliminates tariffs on 89.4% of trade value. The agreement also addresses non-tariff barriers including Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and Technical Barriers to Trade .
The Double Contribution Convention exempts Indian professionals working in the UK for up to five years from double social security contributions. Over 75,000 Indian workers and over 900 employers will avoid paying toward the UK's National Insurance system.
Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, said the agreement provides "a strong platform to unlock even greater collaboration in financial and professional services, insurance, fintech, sustainable finance and infrastructure investment." London stands ready to support India's economic growth.
India-UK FTA Benefits: The India-UK Free Trade Agreement is set to come into effect on July 15. Once it becomes effective, everything from British whiskey, super-luxury cars, to beauty products will become significantly cheaper.