India&rsquo;s Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the UK is set to transform bilateral trade, going far beyond goods and giving a strong push to India&rsquo;s core strength&mdash;services exports.
India currently exports $19.8 billion worth of services to the UK, and with CETA, this figure is set to rise sharply. The deal enhances market access for professionals across IT, finance, education, and healthcare, creating a structured and predictable framework for mobility.
From IT engineers to yoga instructors, Indian professionals will benefit from simplified entry pathways as contractual service suppliers, business visitors, and intra-corporate transferees. Up to 1,800 Indian chefs, classical musicians, and yoga instructors will be allowed to work in the UK each year.
A game-changing provision is the Double Contribution Convention, exempting Indian workers on temporary assignments from paying UK social security contributions for up to three years. This will benefit over 75,000 professionals and 900+ companies, saving more than ₹4,000 crore.
The agreement covers a vast array of services&mdash;IT, telecom, financial, educational, engineering, and architecture&mdash;unlocking new opportunities and job creation. It also supports small exporters with relaxed rules: self-certification of product origin, reduced documentation, and exemptions for small consignments under &pound;1,000 to promote e-commerce.
Product-Specific Rules of Origin (PSRs) now align with India&rsquo;s strengths in textiles, pharma, machinery, and processed food. Additionally, 99% of India&rsquo;s exports to the UK will now enjoy duty-free access, giving a major boost to sectors like textiles, marine products, auto components, and gems &amp; jewellery.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal hailed the agreement as &ldquo;a catalyst for inclusive growth,&rdquo; promising benefits for farmers, MSMEs, artisans, and startups, while strategically protecting India&rsquo;s sensitive sectors.
With bilateral trade already at $56 billion, CETA is expected to double this by 2030, positioning India as a global economic powerhouse.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
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New trade deal opens UK doors for Indian services, boosts exports and job creation

India-UK Trade Deal Boosts Services & Jobs

New trade deal opens UK doors for Indian services, boosts exports and job creation

July 27, 2025 | 16:40 IST