| | JULY 202619July 2026, following its formal signing in 2025 and completion of ratification procedures.CETA is one of India's most comprehensive trade agreements with a developed economy, providing near-total tariff elimination across nearly 99percent of tariff lines. This includes significant reductions or complete removal of tariffs on key export sectors such as textiles, leather, marine products, engineering goods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and processed foods.For labor-intensive industries, the impact is expected to be substantial. Tariffs of up to 70 percent on processed food products, 21.5 percent on marine exports, 18 percent on engineering goods and auto components, and around 12 percent on textiles and clothing are expected to be eliminated. This will significantly improve price competitiveness for Indian exporters in the UK market.Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry of India says, "The agreement will provide comprehensive market access for Indian goods and immediately eliminate tariffs on about 99 percent of tariff lines, creating enormous opportunities for Indian exports."A defining feature of the agreement is its strong services and mobility framework. The UK has opened access to 137 service subsectors, covering IT, financial services, professional consulting, healthcare, education, engineering, and telecommunications. The agreement also facilitates mobility for business visitors, intra-corporate transferees, contractual service suppliers, independent professionals, and investors.A notable innovation is the annual quota allowing 1,800 Indian professionals such as chefs, yoga instructors, and classical musicians to work in the UK, reflecting cultural and service-sector exchange beyond traditional trade categories.Another major breakthrough is the Agreement on Social Security, which exempts Indian workers from double contribution requirements for up to five years during overseas assignments. These benefit over 75,000 professionals and more than 900 companies, reducing costs and encouraging global mobility.CETA also protects sensitive sectors such as dairy, cereals, and edible oils while ensuring balanced trade liberalization. Overall, the agreement enhances India's manufacturing exports, strengthens services trade, and deepens economic integration with a major global economy.3. India­Oman CEPAThe India­Oman Comprehensive Economic Partner-ship Agreement (CEPA), which came into force on 1 June 2026, is a key milestone in India's growing eco-nomic engagement with the Gulf region.The agreement provides immediate and comprehensive duty-free access for Indian exports, particularly in textiles, apparel, and handicrafts. Oman has eliminated its 5percent MFN tariff across 945 textile and apparel tariff lines, significantly improving the competitiveness of Indian products in the Omani market. Handicraft exports have also been granted zero-duty access, supporting India's MSME and artisan sectors.India's exports to Oman already include textiles, apparel, made-ups, carpets, fabrics, and value-added fashion products. With Oman importing nearly $600 million worth of textiles and apparel annually, the agreement offers significant room for growth. India, currently a major supplier to Oman, is well-positioned to expand its market share further under the CEPA framework.Beyond tariff reductions, the agreement introduces modern trade facilitation mechanisms such as a fully digital Certificate of Origin system, reducing paperwork, transaction costs, and processing time for exporters. It also strengthens cooperation on intellectual property rights and ensures recognition of Geographical Indications (GIs), enhancing the global branding of Indian handlooms and handicrafts.Strategically, Oman serves as a gateway to the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and East African markets. This makes the agreement not just bilateral in nature but regionally significant, enabling Indian exporters to access a broader network of high-demand markets through Oman's logistics and port infrastructure.4. India­New Zealand Free Trade AgreementThe India­New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) represents a significant step in India's outreach to the Oceania region and high-income Pacific economies. The agreement was concluded in record time and reflects growing economic alignment between the two countries.Scan the QR code to read the full Article
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