India-UK CETA Rollout Gains Momentum During UK Trade Secretary’s Visit

New Delhi, Jun 3 (KNN) Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal on Monday held discussions with UK Permanent Secretary Amanda Brooks on the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), reviewing progress and addressing outstanding issues related to the trade pact.
 
Sharing details of the meeting on social media platform X, Agrawal said both sides assessed the implementation roadmap, discussed remaining challenges and explored new opportunities under the India-UK CETA Global Trade Economic Partnership aligned with the Viksit Bharat vision.
 
He also reaffirmed India's commitment to regular engagement with the UK Government's Scotland Office to ensure effective implementation of the agreement, reported ANI.
 
Talks Coincide With UK Trade Secretary's India Visit
 
The discussions come during the visit of UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle to New Delhi, aimed at advancing bilateral trade relations between the two countries.
 
According to a statement issued by the UK Government, Kyle is scheduled to meet Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss steps for bringing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) into force at the earliest.
 
The implementation efforts are taking place against the backdrop of heightened global trade uncertainty and volatility.
 
Agreement Set To Expand Market Access
 
Once operational, the agreement is expected to eliminate tariffs on 99 per cent of UK exports to India and reduce tariffs on 90 per cent of Indian exports to the UK, facilitating easier and more cost-effective trade between the two economies.
 
During his visit, Kyle is also expected to engage with Indian and British industry leaders to help businesses prepare for opportunities arising from the agreement.
 
UK Describes Deal As Landmark Post-Brexit Trade Pact
 
The UK Government described the India-UK FTA as the most economically significant bilateral trade agreement signed by the UK since its exit from the European Union.
 
The agreement covers 30 chapters, including dedicated provisions on gender, innovation, environment and labour, making it one of the most comprehensive trade agreements signed by India.
 
The current visit follows a trade mission to India last year led by the UK Prime Minister and the Trade Secretary, accompanied by 125 British business leaders and entrepreneurs.
 
Businesses Expected To Benefit Across Key Sectors
 
Commenting on the agreement, Kyle said sectors ranging from whisky to automobiles stand to benefit significantly from expanded market access and improved trade conditions.
 
He added that both governments are working to ensure that businesses and consumers begin experiencing the benefits of the agreement as soon as possible.
 
The UK Government also reiterated its commitment to providing businesses with policy certainty and stability to support growth amid challenging global economic conditions.
 
(KNN Bureau)