The ink is barely dry on the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), but experts are already toasting its potential to supercharge bilateral trade to £50 billion annually by 2030, a staggering leap from current £38 billion. Signed in July 2025 after marathon negotiations, the pact slashes tariffs on 90% of goods, paving the way for a export renaissance and fresh investments amid global supply chain shifts.
Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer hailed the deal during Starmer’s recent India visit, announcing a £10 billion investment pipeline and 10,600 new UK jobs in thriving sectors like renewables and fintech. Key wins include duty-free access for Indian textiles, gems, and pharma to UK shelves, while British whisky, cheese, and EVs flood Indian markets tariff-free. The agreement’s innovation arm—a joint AI centre and connectivity hub—promises collaborative R&D, positioning both nations as tech frontrunners.
Economists forecast a 60% spike in UK exports to India, driven by eased non-tariff barriers, while India’s services sector—IT and consulting—gains visa relaxations for smoother talent flow. Starmer’s trade mission secured deals in green hydrogen and semiconductors, aligning with India’s Atmanirbhar push and UK’s net-zero goals. Ratification, nearing completion, could double trade volumes, per government projections.
This FTA isn’t just economic—it’s a post-Brexit lifeline for the UK and a diversification win for India amid US tariff threats. Sectors like electronics and autos stand to gain most, with Indian firms eyeing UK manufacturing hubs. Challenges like dairy quotas linger, but optimism reigns.
As implementation kicks off, businesses gear up: webinars unpack CETA’s nuances for exporters. This pact exemplifies resilient globalism, fostering jobs and innovation. For startups, it’s a gateway to £25.5 billion in annual trade uplift— a golden era dawns.
