Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) from July 15 as a “historic milestone” in bilateral ties, saying the pact would significantly enhance trade and investment between the two countries.

Announcing the development while attending the G7 Summit in Évian, France, the Prime Minister said the agreement would create fresh opportunities for Indian farmers, workers, MSMEs, startups and innovators, while contributing to the country’s long-term vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

PM Modi Welcomes Implementation Date

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said the trade agreement marked a major step forward in India-UK relations.

“A historic milestone for India-UK relations. Delighted to note that the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement will enter into force on 15th July 2026,” he said.

Highlighting the economic significance of the pact, the Prime Minister added, “This agreement will significantly boost our bilateral trade and investment.”

He further said, “It will also unlock numerous opportunities for Indian farmers, workers, MSMEs, startups and innovators and contribute meaningfully to the realisation of Viksit Bharat 2047.”

Referring to his interactions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the G7 Summit, Modi said, “Both PM Starmer and I, who are in Evian for the G7 Summit, are naturally very happy with the significant momentum being added to our economic ties.”

A historic milestone for India-UK relations.

Delighted to note that the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement will enter into force on 15th July 2026.

This agreement will significantly boost our bilateral trade and investment.

It will also unlock numerous… pic.twitter.com/I0bMCjdtg4

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 17, 2026

Trade Deal Signed After Nearly Three Years of Negotiations

British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron also confirmed that the agreement would come into force on July 15.

In a post on X, Cameron said, “The countdown begins! The UK and India have agreed that the Free Trade Agreement will come into effect on 15 July.”

Describing the development as a turning point in bilateral economic ties, she added, “An historic moment for the modern UK-India partnership, unlocking a new era of growth for both our economies.”

The announcement marks the final step before the implementation of the agreement, which was signed in July 2025 following nearly three years of negotiations.

Officially known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, the pact is expected to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually and represents a significant milestone in the relationship between the world’s fifth and sixth largest economies.

Tariff Reductions and Market Access

The agreement provides for substantial tariff cuts on products including textiles, whisky and automobiles, making exports from both countries more competitive.

Indian businesses are expected to gain enhanced access to the British market, with the UK offering concessions on 99.1 per cent of tariff lines covering 100 per cent of trade value, largely through immediate zero-duty access once the agreement takes effect.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, around 90.2 per cent of India’s exports to the UK will become duty-free under the agreement, significantly improving market access for Indian goods.

The pact is also expected to generate employment opportunities in sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear, sports goods and engineering in both countries.

India and the United Kingdom are aiming to double bilateral trade by 2030 through the reduction of tariffs and expansion of market access.

With the July 15 implementation date now confirmed, businesses in both countries are preparing for the rollout of tariff reductions and other measures aimed at facilitating trade.

India Pursues Trade Agreements With Major Partners

The announcement comes amid India’s broader push to deepen economic engagement with key global partners.

During Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the G7 Summit, both countries expressed satisfaction over progress in negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and reaffirmed their intention to conclude the talks in 2026.

In a separate meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, the European Union leadership said the India-EU free trade agreement would be signed before the end of the year.

“Since we have concluded the mother of all trade deals, we have been moving fast to deliver on our commitments. We will sign the Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year,” the European leaders said.

The latest developments underscore India’s efforts to strengthen economic ties with major economies, with negotiations and agreements involving the United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union gathering momentum.

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