The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement has moved into its implementation phase, according to Dr Kishore Jayaraman, OBE, CEO of the UK India Business Council (UKIBC).
Speaking in Delhi, Jayaraman said the CETA agreement was reached in April 2025 and entered into force on July 15th, 2026. He said attention is now turning to putting the agreement into operation.
Jayaraman said the agreement had progressed quickly from its beginning to completion. He argued that the implementation process should maintain the same speed and energy.
UKIBC mission support programme
UKIBC is involved in supporting implementation, Jayaraman said. A mission support programme is being held for mayors from the Great North who are visiting India.
The programme is focused on examining ways to expand trade, investment and talent links between India and their regions. It is also considering how the regions can use India's demand, democracy and demographic dividend.
The comments place regional partnerships alongside the wider India-UK trade relationship. They also highlight the role of local leaders in exploring connections between Indian opportunities and areas in the UK.
Areas identified for cooperation
Jayaraman described the relationship between India and the UK as complementary. He referred to the two countries as the fourth and sixth largest economies in the world.
He identified aerospace and defence as areas with opportunities for co-creation. Technology and digital sectors were also mentioned, along with healthcare and life sciences.
The comments point to cooperation extending beyond the movement of goods. They include sectors involving technology, services, healthcare, skills and investment, while the agreement moves from negotiation into practical implementation.
Trade relationship
Jayaraman said trade between India and the UK is worth 42 billion. He described the trade relationship as equitable in principle, saying both sides conduct an equal amount of trade.
He also said the trade relationship is growing at about 8% per year. That figure was presented in the context of the broader bilateral economic relationship and the opportunities associated with implementing the CETA.
For businesses and regional authorities, the implementation phase is the immediate focus identified in the remarks. The mission involving Great North mayors is intended to examine how trade, investment and talent ties can develop at regional level.
Conclusion
The India-UK CETA is in its implementation phase, with UKIBC supporting efforts to strengthen trade, investment and talent links while cooperation is explored across several sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When was the India-UK CETA agreement reached?
Jayaraman said the agreement happened in April 2025.
Q. When did the agreement enter into force?
The agreement entered into force on July 15th, 2026.
Q. What is UKIBC doing during the implementation phase?
Jayaraman said UKIBC is an integral part of the implementation process and is running a mission support programme.
Q. Who is involved in the mission support programme?
The programme involves mayors from the Great North who are in India.
Q. Which sectors were identified as cooperation opportunities?
Aerospace and defence, technology and digital, healthcare and life sciences were identified as areas of opportunity.
Q. What is the stated value of India-UK trade?
Jayaraman said trade between the UK and India is worth 42 billion.
Q. How quickly is the trade relationship growing?
He said it is growing at about 8% per year.
