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Maturing approach: On the India-U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement

The India-U.K. CETA signifies India's mature trade approach, balancing liberalization with domestic sensitivities. While offering substantial zero-duty market access, benefits could be uneven, especially for MSMEs grappling with documentation, compliance, and stringent U.K. non-tariff standards. India's historical underutilization of FTAs due to awareness and high compliance costs highlights potential challenges. The pact's success hinges on strengthening regulatory administration, IP protection, and dispute resolution. A narrowing trade surplus and evolving climate regulations pose further risks. Ultimately, CETA's effectiveness depends on converting market access into sustained market share for Indian businesses.

The Hindu · The Hindu · Jul 19, 2026 at 5:41 PM

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