India announces entry into force of free trade and social security agreements with the United Kingdom

New Delhi, July 15 (KUNA) -- Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal announced on Wednesday the entry into force of the comprehensive free trade agreement and the social security agreement with the United Kingdom.

In a statement, Goyal said that the day marks a milestone in India-UK relations, as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Partnership Agreement and the Social Security Agreement between India and the United Kingdom have entered into force, allowing nearly 99 percent of Indian exports to access UK markets duty-free.

He added that the agreement creates unprecedented opportunities for many Indian industrial sectors, including textiles, leather, gemstones and jewelry, engineering goods, marine products, chemicals, and processed foods, while also enabling access for micro, small, and medium enterprises, as well as Indian farmers and manufacturers.

Goyal clarified that the agreement opens new horizons for the information technology, professional, financial, educational, and business services sectors, while enhancing opportunities for the mobility of Indian skilled professionals.

Regarding the social security agreement, the Indian minister noted that it further strengthens bilateral cooperation by exempting Indian workers performing temporary work assignments in the UK from double payment of social security contributions for up to five years.

The groundwork for the free trade agreement between the two sides was laid in May 2021. After 14 rounds of intensive negotiations, it was concluded on May 6, 2025, and officially signed on July 24, 2025, in London by Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and UK Minister for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds. (End)