New Delhi, July 17 -- There is a maxim in trade diplomacy that is worth dusting off today: the value of an agreement lies not in its signing, but in its living.

The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed in July 2025 after 14 rounds of negotiation- and inevitable bumps in the road-went into force this week.

This is one of the most consequential bilateral trade deals for both sides. It is estimated to give a £25.5 billion annual boost to bilateral trade by 2040. With a framework that gives 99% of Indian exports duty-free access to the UK and offers concessions on 89.5% of British tariff lines to India, the opportunity begins now.

The CETA's promise: The sectors in which both countries enjoy their stronge...