The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a landmark milestone in the strategic partnership between India and the United Kingdom, entered into force today, marking a new chapter in bilateral trade and economic cooperation. To commemorate this historic occasion, the Office of the Additional Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Bengaluru, organized a Flagging-off Ceremony of an Export Consignment under the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) at the Inland Container Depot (ICD), Whitefield, Bengaluru.

The ceremony commenced with the ceremonial flagging-off of an export consignment destined for the United Kingdom, symbolizing the beginning of a new phase in India–UK trade under the CETA. Delivering the inaugural address, Smt. Dona Ghosh, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, highlighted the transformative potential of the Agreement in enhancing India's export competitiveness, integrating Indian enterprises into global value chains, and creating new opportunities for exporters, particularly MSMEs.

Mr. Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka, emphasized that the entry into force of the Agreement represents a significant milestone in India–UK relations and would further strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, technology, and professional services. Senior leadership of Bengaluru Customs, represented by Smt. Sucheta Sreejesh, Commissioner of Customs, who reiterated Customs' commitment to facilitating seamless cross-border trade through efficient and transparent customs procedures. Shri Krishna Reddy, Senior General Manager, CONCOR, who reiterated the commitment of CONCOR towards export facilitation and logistics. Representing the exporting community, Shri Manoj Randiwe, General Manager (Exports), Jindal Aluminium Limited, expressed confidence that the Agreement would open new opportunities for Indian exporters by improving market access to United Kingdom.

The India–UK CETA provides a robust framework for expanding bilateral trade and investment by improving market access for goods and services, strengthening supply chains, and fostering deeper economic engagement between the two countries. The Agreement is expected to significantly boost India's exports across sectors including textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, electronics, chemicals, marine products, and agricultural products. It also enhances opportunities for India's services sector through improved market access across more than 130 service sub-sectors and facilitates greater mobility for professionals and businesses.

Karnataka, one of India's leading export-oriented States, is expected to emerge as a major beneficiary of the Agreement. With its strengths in information technology, engineering, electronics, aerospace, biotechnology, textiles, marine products, agriculture, and professional services, the State is well positioned to leverage the expanded opportunities in the United Kingdom market.

 

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