India–UK CETA and Agreement on Social Security Enter into Force

📌 Summary:

• The India–United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), along with the Agreement on Social Security (Double Contribution Convention, DCC), formally entered into force on 15 July 2026
• CETA provides zero-duty market access for nearly 99% of India's exports, covering almost 100% of trade value
• On Day One, over 50 export consignments worth more than USD 140 million were flagged off from 20+ ports, airports, ICDs, SEZs and factories under the preferential tariff regime
• Benefiting sectors: textiles, leather, gems & jewellery, engineering goods, marine products, chemicals, processed foods; also opens IT, professional, financial, education and business services and expands mobility for Indian talent
• Social Security Agreement (DCC) exempts Indian professionals on temporary UK assignments from double social security contributions for up to five years, boosting workforce competitiveness
• First Certificates of Origin issued via the eCoO 2.0 platform on a self-certification basis; agreement finalised after 800+ technical sessions across 14 formal rounds

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 — International Relations (bilateral trade agreements, India-UK ties); GS3 — Economy (trade, exports, services)

📝 Prelims Facts:

• CETA = Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (India-UK)
• DCC = Double Contribution Convention; exemption up to 5 years
• Zero-duty access for ~99% of India's exports (near 100% of trade value)
• Certificates of Origin issued via eCoO 2.0 platform (self-certification)

🔑 Key Term: Double Contribution Convention (DCC) — a social security pact preventing Indian workers on short UK postings from paying social security contributions in both countries.