India and UK step up efforts to establish trade pact

New Delhi: India and the United Kingdom on Tuesday reviewed progress on the implementation of their Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (Ceta), with senior officials and ministers from both sides discussing ways to speed up the pact’s implementation and deepen bilateral economic engagement.

Trade Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said he had extensive discussions with UK Permanent Secretary Amanda Brooks on the implementation of the trade deal.

“Engaged in extensive discussions with UK Permanent Secretary Ms Amanda Brooks on the implementation of #IndiaUKCETA. He reviewed progress and worked through sticking points while exploring new avenues under #IndiaUKCETA,” Agrawal said in a post on X.

The discussions come as UK Secretary of State for Trade and Commerce Peter Kyle is in New Delhi to meet Trade and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to progress the next phase of the bilateral trade relationship, currently worth £48bn a year.

Welcoming the British minister and his delegation, Goyal said the two sides discussed future areas of cooperation under the partnership.

“We had excellent conversations on charting the next phase of India-UK economic engagement, advancing shared trade priorities and further strengthening our robust and forward-looking partnership,” Goyal said in a post on X.

According to the UK government, Kyle’s visit is aimed at bringing the India-UK Free Trade Agreement into force “as quickly as possible”, a priority for both governments. The UK said the agreement takes on significance at a time of global economic disruption, including the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has caused economic turmoil and affected trade flows.

Agrawal said both sides explored new avenues of cooperation under the pact and reaffirmed their commitment to regularly engage in its effective implementation.

“Reaffirmed commitment to regular engagement with UK government trade authorities for effective implementation,” he said.

The India-UK trade agreement, signed in July 2025, is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade. The UK government estimates that the deal could boost annual bilateral trade by £25.5 billion and boost the two countries’ long-term GDP by nearly £5 billion each.

During his visit, Kyle is also expected to meet with Indian and UK industry leaders to help businesses prepare for entry into force and maximize the benefits of the landmark trade deal.