‘Most ambitious of FTAs': India-U.K. CETA and DCC to come into force on July 15

📌 Summary:

• India-U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Double Contribution Convention (DCC) come into force on July 15, 2026
• Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal called CETA a "gold standard" and one of the "most ambitious and aspirational" FTAs signed by India
• The two pacts were signed in July 2025
• Deal is stated to benefit India's farmers, fisherfolk, workers and women entrepreneurs
• CETA eliminates or reduces tariffs on the bulk of India's exports (textiles, leather, gems & jewellery, marine products); India lowers duties on UK items such as whisky and autos in a phased manner
• DCC exempts Indian professionals on short-term UK postings from paying social-security contributions in both countries for three years, cutting employment costs

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 IR (bilateral trade agreements) and GS3 Economy (trade, market access) — India's first FTA with a major Western economy in years, a template for the ongoing India-EU talks

📝 Prelims Facts:

• CETA = Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement; DCC = Double Contribution Convention
• Signed July 2025; entering into force 15 July 2026
• Commerce Secretary: Rajesh Agrawal

🔑 Key Term: Double Contribution Convention — a reciprocal social-security pact preventing dual contributions by cross-border workers.