Will the India-U.K. trade deal be different from India’s past FTAs? | The Hindu Editorial

The India-U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is being seen as a more balanced free trade deal than many of India’s earlier agreements. The pact offers zero-duty access to most Indian exports and could strengthen India’s position in global supply chains. But will Indian businesses, especially MSMEs, be able to take advantage of these opportunities? What challenges remain in meeting U.K. standards and compliance requirements? And can India avoid the pitfalls that affected some of its earlier trade agreements? Published - July 20, 2026 06:32 pm IST