India, UK chart renewed course for trade & investment partnership

Mumbai: In a major push to strengthen economic ties, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trad Peter Kyle held a high-level bilateral meeting in Mumbai today to chart a renewed course for the India–UK trade and investment partnership.

The meeting marked a significant milestone toward operationalising the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Both Ministers agreed to reposition the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) as the key body to oversee the agreement’s implementation and delivery.

Emphasizing a shared commitment to a swift, coordinated, and results-oriented rollout, the two sides reaffirmed their ambition to double bilateral trade by 2030, leveraging complementarities in advanced manufacturing, digital trade, clean energy, and services.

Highlighting the transformative scope of CETA, the ministers discussed strategies to enhance regulatory cooperation, address non-tariff barriers, and promote supply chain integration to maximise mutual benefits.

The bilateral engagement followed productive commerce secretary and director general-level meetings, which set a strong tone for ministerial deliberations. Earlier in the day, a series of sectoral roundtables were held across priority areas, including advanced manufacturing, consumer goods, food & drink, science & technology, innovation, construction, infrastructure and clean energy, and financial, professional and business services.

The India-UK CEO Forum also convened, bringing together top business leaders from both countries to explore opportunities in trade, investment, and innovation. Co-chaired by eminent industry representatives, the forum served as a key platform to deepen bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed the shared vision of a modern, sustainable, and mutually beneficial economic partnership.

Both ministers exchanged views on the global trade and economic outlook, acknowledging the need to build resilient and diversified supply chains amid global uncertainties. Goyal underscored India’s role as a key growth engine of the global economy, while Kyle highlighted that the UK’s agreement with India represents the best deal ever secured with the country, opening vast opportunities for British businesses.

The day concluded with a business plenary attended by senior industry representatives from both nations. Both sides reiterated their determination to advance a modern, inclusive, and forward-looking trade partnership, unlocking new avenues for growth, investment and innovation.