India-UK trade agreement to take effect on 15 July 2026, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday that the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement will enter into force on 15 July 2026. The announcement was made via a post on social media platform X, where Mr. Modi described the development as a “historic milestone” for bilateral relations.

Both Mr. Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are currently in Evian, France, to attend the G7 Summit. According to the Indian Prime Minister, the two leaders expressed happiness over the “significant momentum” being added to their countries’ economic ties.

The agreement is expected to substantially boost bilateral trade and investment between India and the United Kingdom. In his post, Mr. Modi emphasised that the deal would unlock opportunities for Indian farmers, workers, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), startups, and innovators. He added that it would contribute meaningfully to the realisation of Viksit Bharat 2047, India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by its centenary of independence.

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement covers a wide range of sectors including goods, services, and investment. While details of the pact were not immediately disclosed, such free trade agreements typically aim to reduce or eliminate tariffs, ease regulatory barriers, and promote economic cooperation.

The coming into force of the agreement on 15 July 2026 follows years of negotiations between the two countries. Both sides had been working to deepen economic links, particularly after the UK’s departure from the European Union, which necessitated new bilateral trade arrangements.

The announcement comes as global leaders gather in Evian for the G7 Summit, where trade and economic resilience are among the key topics. Prime Minister Starmer’s office has not yet issued a separate statement, but Mr. Modi noted that both leaders welcomed the advancement of economic cooperation.