India, UK Chart New Course For Trade And Investment Ties
09 Oct 2025 CW Team
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, and the Rt. Hon. Peter Kyle, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, held a bilateral meeting in Mumbai to set a renewed course for the India–UK trade and investment partnership.
The meeting marked a major milestone towards operationalising the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Both Ministers agreed to reposition the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) to oversee its implementation, delivery, and long-term strategic coordination.
They reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring swift and results-driven execution of the agreement, aimed at unlocking its full potential for businesses and consumers in both countries. The Ministers also reiterated their ambition to double bilateral trade by 2030, leveraging strengths in advanced manufacturing, digital trade, clean energy, and services.
Emphasising the transformative nature of CETA, both sides discussed deepening cooperation through regulatory alignment, reducing non-tariff barriers, and strengthening global supply chain integration.
The meeting followed productive sessions at the Commerce Secretary and Director-General level, setting the groundwork for a full day of detailed and forward-looking discussions between the two delegations.
Ahead of the Ministerial dialogue, several sectoral roundtables were organised covering key industries such as advanced manufacturing, consumer goods, food and beverages, science and innovation, infrastructure and clean energy, and financial, professional and business services (including IT/ITeS, education, and engineering). These sessions brought together industry leaders from both nations, generating actionable insights for the implementation of CETA.
The India–UK CEO Forum was also convened, co-chaired by leading industry representatives from both countries. The forum focused on identifying new opportunities for trade, investment, and technological collaboration, reinforcing the shared goal of building a modern, sustainable, and mutually beneficial economic partnership.
Both Ministers also exchanged views on the global trade and economic landscape, highlighting the importance of building resilient and diversified supply chains amid current global challenges. Shri Goyal underscored India’s position as a key driver of global growth, while Secretary Kyle described the forthcoming deal as the UK’s most ambitious trade agreement with India, opening vast new opportunities for British businesses.
The meeting concluded with a business plenary attended by senior industry figures from both sides, reaffirming a joint resolve to advance a forward-looking trade relationship that fosters innovation, sustainable growth, and investment.