DGFT Organizes India–UK CETA to Boost Export Opportunities

• 30 Sep 2025
• 237 Views

Recently, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Regional Authority Delhi, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, organized an outreach programme on recently concluded India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. 

The programme’s theme was “Gateway to Growth: Harnessing Opportunities under India–UK CETA”. It witnessed participation of senior government officials, diplomats, Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), industry leaders and trade associations. They deliberated on the Agreement’s transformative potential for Indian exporters.

The event was chaired by Director General of Foreign Trade & Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Shri Ajay Bhadoo. During the event, he emphasized on the strategic importance of CETA when it comes to expanding India’s footprint in the UK market. 

Further, he underlined the tariff concessions, easier market access and greater scope for Indian MSMEs to connect with global value chains. Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Shri Saket Kumar, provided the background and strategic context of the negotiations. He laid emphasis on the government’s determination when it comes to creation of new opportunities for Indian industry.

From the UK side, Ms. Anna Shotbolt - Deputy Trade Commissioner for South Asia - called the Agreement a milestone in bilateral trade. She urged Indian exporters to meet sustainability as well as the quality benchmarks so they can gain access to premium UK markets. Ms. Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Minister (Economic) at the High Commission of India in London, pointed to new prospects for Indian firms, specifically in food, textiles and services.

At the event, sectoral perspectives were featured strongly through active participation from the Export Promotion Councils. APEDA Chairman, Shri Abhishek Dev, pointed to the growing UK demand for Indian agri and processed foods, incl. niche products like ethnic foods, organic food and ready-to-eat products. FIEO Director General, Dr. Ajay Sahai, gave emphasis to exploring non-traditional markets and making use of the digital tools to connect with UK buyers with more efficiency.

Chairman, ESC, Shri Veer Sagar, on the services front, mentioned how the country’s IT and knowledge-based services can gain a prominent edge under the Agreement. Director, SEPC, Ms. Swati Saraf, underlined the potential for creative industries, education and professional services for diversifying India’s services exports to the UK.

EPC leaders from manufacturing and creative industries drew attention to their industries’ strengths. The event was also attended by Vice Chairman, GJEPC, Shri Shaunak Parikh. He spoke about positioning India’s gems and jewellery in the luxury retail landscape of the UK. The Additional Executive Director, EPCH, Shri Rajesh Rawat, pointed at how handicrafts and carpets can carve out niche spaces in premium UK markets. 

The potential of engineering goods and auto components was underscored by Executive Director, EEPC, Shri Adhip Mitra. He stressed that innovation and compliance are keys to success. General Manager, AEPC, Dr. Saurabh Kumar, laid emphasis on competitiveness of India when it comes to apparel and textiles. He noted how CETA can give a boost to the exports if exporters align with sustainability as well as ethical sourcing standards.

Perspectives by the buyers further enriched the dialogue. General Secretary of Buying Agents Association, Ms. Anchal Kansal, gave stress on significance of supply chain transparency as well as timely delivery in sustaining trust with UK buyers. At the event, UK India Business Council (UKIBC) and HSBC shared their perspective on nurturing industrial partnerships and establishing resilient supply chains that would deepen India-UK trade relationships.

To conclude the programme, an interactive Q&A session was held with exporters, followed by final remarks from Additional DGFT, CLA New Delhi, Smt. Vrunda Manohar Desai. She expressed her gratitude to the speakers as well as participants while reiterating DGFT’s determination when it comes to supporting Indian exporters in making the most out of CETA effectively.

The outreach programme marked an important step in strengthening India-UK ties and positioning Indian exporters to leverage this landmark agreement.

News: Press Information Bureau (PIB)