India, UK Set July 15 For Historic Free Trade Pact's Rollout

India and the United Kingdom announced that their landmark Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and accompanying social security pact will come into force on July 15, marking a significant milestone in India's economic partnership with the UK. The agreements provide zero-duty access to nearly 99% of India's exports to the UK, covering almost the entire value of bilateral trade. The CETA also includes provisions on digital trade, telecommunications, financial services, intellectual property, government procurement, innovation, sustainability, and support for small and medium enterprises. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the development, calling it a historic milestone for India-UK relations. The agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade by $25.5 billion annually and create opportunities for Indian farmers, workers, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), startups, and innovators.