The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade of the United Kingdom, and Shri Piyush Ved Prakash Goyal, Honourable Minister of Commerce and Industry of India, met in New Delhi for the 16th meeting of the India–UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO). This was the first JETCO since CETA negotiations began in January 2022.
Both ministers hailed the CETA as a foundation for a deeper and broader economic partnership. The meeting coincided with a visit by seven mayors and a combined authority leader from the North of England, supporting a wider programme of engagement between government, business, universities, innovators, and regional leaders from both countries.
Discussions focused on the global economic outlook and progress since CETA entered into force. Ministers welcomed the rapid adoption of the agreement by businesses, noting significant exports of goods such as smartphones, machinery, jewellery, garments, and Joha rice from Assam to the UK. The first Certificates of Origin under CETA were issued via India’s eCoO 2.0 platform, facilitating preferential treatment for exporters.
The agreement has already seen tariff-free Scottish salmon and Scotch whisky enter the Indian market, with cars also imported under tariff-rate quotas. Both countries agreed to exchange data annually on business usage of the CETA, focusing on tariff claims and identifying areas where further support is needed, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.
Plans were confirmed for the continued smooth operation of CETA, including the establishment of committees and working groups. Ministers also agreed to build on the CETA by deepening co-operation in services, innovation, government procurement, science and technology, and gender equality, fostering greater business-to-business engagement and enhanced regional partnerships.
The meeting of the India–UK Science and Innovation Council and the Innovation Roundtable were also welcomed, aiming to connect businesses, investors, and researchers to accelerate the commercialisation of new technologies. The value of continued business-to-business interactions and stakeholder engagement was recognised in identifying opportunities and implementation challenges.
The 17th JETCO meeting is scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom in 2027.
