New Delhi, 15 July (H.S.):*

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the coming into force of the India-United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Social Security Agreement, describing them as a milestone in the strategic partnership between the two countries. He said the agreements would deepen economic ties and create new opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and skilled Indian professionals.

Responding to a post by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on X, the Prime Minister said the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Social Security Agreement marks a significant moment for the India-UK partnership. He noted that the agreements would transform the shared ambitions of both nations into tangible opportunities.

Prime Minister Modi said CETA would provide fresh momentum to Indian farmers, entrepreneurs, and the MSME sector. It would also enhance market access for several key Indian industries in the United Kingdom while strengthening cooperation in technology, professional services, and innovation. In addition, the agreement would facilitate greater mobility for skilled Indian professionals.

He further stated that the Social Security Agreement would provide substantial relief to Indian professionals working temporarily in the United Kingdom and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian enterprises. The Prime Minister said the achievement reflects the mutual trust between the world's two democracies and their commitment to building a future-oriented partnership driven by trade, technology, investment, and innovation. He expressed confidence that India and the United Kingdom would continue working together toward shared prosperity.

Earlier, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal described the implementation of the agreements as a historic milestone in India-UK relations. He announced on X that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Social Security Agreement have officially come into effect.

According to Goyal, nearly 99 percent of India's export products will now enjoy duty-free access to the UK market, covering almost 100 percent of the total trade value.

He said the agreement would create unprecedented opportunities for sectors including textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, marine products, chemicals, processed food, MSMEs, agriculture, and manufacturing. It is also expected to open new avenues in information technology, professional services, financial services, education, and business services, while enhancing the global mobility of Indian talent.

Goyal added that under the Social Security Agreement, Indian professionals on temporary assignments in the United Kingdom will be exempt from dual social security contributions for up to five years, significantly improving the global competitiveness of the Indian workforce.

The minister also thanked his UK counterpart, Peter Kyle, and the negotiating teams of both countries for successfully concluding the agreements. He said India and the United Kingdom remain committed to advancing long-term growth, investment, and shared prosperity through a robust, innovation-driven partnership.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar