Centre to Deploy 1000 Trade Advisors to Help Businesses Tap India-UK CETA Opportunities

London: Ahead of the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) on July 15, 2026, the Government of India has announced the deployment of 1,000 advisory personnel across the country to help businesses, exporters and entrepreneurs maximise the benefits of the landmark free trade agreement.

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Friday made the announcement while participating in a series of high-level engagements during the 10th Annual UK-India Week in London, describing the agreement as India’s most comprehensive free trade pact to date.

The government will also upgrade its trade portal to provide businesses with easier access to information, market opportunities and guidance related to the agreement.

Bilateral Trade Set for Major Expansion

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the India-UK CETA is expected to increase annual bilateral trade by GBP 25.5 billion, significantly expanding opportunities for exporters, manufacturers, service providers and investors in both countries.

Addressing the India Global Forum (IGF) Capital Frontiers Forum, Goyal said the bilateral relationship has evolved beyond conventional trade to encompass strategic sectors including technology, sovereign artificial intelligence (AI), critical minerals, defence and clean energy.

“The India-UK partnership today reflects a much broader economic relationship built on innovation, investment and strategic collaboration,” the Minister said.

Focus on MSMEs and First-Time Exporters

At a reception jointly hosted by the High Commission of India and FICCI, Goyal welcomed one of the largest and most geographically diverse Indian business delegations to visit the United Kingdom.

The delegation included enterprises from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, alongside several first-time exporters, reflecting the government’s effort to broaden the participation of small and medium enterprises in international trade.

Officials said the deployment of advisory personnel will help businesses understand tariff benefits, rules of origin, compliance requirements and new market opportunities created under the agreement.

Benefits for Indian Professionals

The Minister highlighted one of the key provisions of the agreement benefiting Indian professionals working in the United Kingdom.

Eligible Indian professionals will receive a five-year exemption from social security contributions, allowing them to retain these savings in interest-bearing, tax-free provident fund accounts in India instead of contributing to the UK’s social security system.

The provision is expected to improve the overall financial attractiveness of overseas assignments for Indian professionals.

Strengthening Regional Economic Partnerships

Goyal also called for deeper sub-national collaboration between the two countries, highlighting partnerships such as Birmingham-Gujarat and Manchester-Maharashtra as models for future economic cooperation.

He said closer engagement between cities and states could unlock new opportunities in manufacturing, investment, innovation and skills development.

Positioning Brand India Globally

Highlighting India’s position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, the Minister urged Indian businesses to leverage the opportunities created by the agreement by adopting international quality standards and expanding their global footprint.

He encouraged companies to showcase Brand India through manufacturing excellence, services and innovation while building long-term partnerships with British businesses.

According to Goyal, the India-UK CETA will improve market access, enhance the competitiveness of Indian enterprises, facilitate greater mobility of professionals and create new opportunities across goods, services and investment.

With implementation scheduled from July 15, the agreement is expected to become one of the most significant milestones in India’s trade diplomacy, strengthening economic ties with one of its largest strategic partners while opening fresh growth opportunities for businesses across sectors.

For more information:

• Ministry of Commerce & Industry: https://commerce.gov.in/
• India-UK Free Trade Agreement: https://commerce.gov.in/trade/international-trade/trade-agreements/
• India Global Forum: https://indiaglobalforum.com/
• FICCI: https://ficci.in/