Kolkata, Jan 2 (PTI) The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is expected to be implemented in the first half of 2026, heralding a new phase in bilateral cooperation, British Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Fleming said.
Speaking to PTI, Fleming described CETA as the most “comprehensive and ambitious” deal negotiated by both governments, spanning around 20,000 pages. He urged regional businesses, especially in West Bengal and 12 states across East and Northeast India, to prepare to leverage its benefits.
“This free trade agreement is the most comprehensive and ambitious agreement that my government has negotiated. I think the same probably would apply for the Indian government too,” he said.
India signed the CETA with the UK on July 24. The pact covers 26 sectors—from tariffs to technology—and aims to double bilateral trade in goods and services to USD 112 billion from the current USD 56 billion. Under the agreement, Indian exporters will get duty-free access for 99 per cent of products, including textiles, leather, marine products, gems and jewellery, toys, engineering goods, chemicals, and auto components. UK goods such as whisky will also benefit from tariff rationalisation.
Fleming said, “I mentioned the first half of 2026 is our hope and expectation. So we’re getting closer and closer.”
The deal also strengthens services trade—a key area for India—with over USD 19.8 billion in services exported to the UK in 2023. Enhanced mobility
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