New Delhi,: India and the United Kingdom have agreed to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen the implementation of their Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) at the 16th meeting of the India–UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) in New Delhi.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds co-chaired the meeting, the first since negotiations for CETA began in January 2022. Both sides described the agreement as the foundation for a broader economic partnership.
The two countries highlighted early trade benefits following the agreement’s entry into force. Indian exporters dispatched more than 50 consignments to the UK on the first day, covering electronics, machinery, gold jewellery, garments, tea and coffee. Assam’s distinctive Joha rice was also exported to the UK for the first time.
On the other hand, tariff-free Scottish salmon reached India within a fortnight, while Scotch whisky entered the Indian market at reduced tariffs. The first cars exported under the tariff-rate quota also cleared Indian customs.
Both sides agreed to exchange annual data on businesses’ use of preferential tariffs and gather feedback to identify implementation challenges, with particular focus on helping small and medium-sized enterprises benefit from the agreement.
They also agreed to establish committees and working groups, strengthen government coordination and resolve emerging issues promptly.
Discussions covered services, innovation, government procurement, science and technology, and regional partnerships. The two countries also welcomed the India–UK Science and Innovation Council meeting and Innovation Roundtable, aimed at strengthening collaboration among businesses, investors and researchers.
Regional leaders from northern England participated in the broader engagement, underscoring efforts to expand trade, investment and people-to-people links. Both sides agreed to continue high-level visits and consultations with industry stakeholders to sustain momentum.
