Piyush Goyal Receives Award for UK-India Ties; CETA Set for July 15 Implementation

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal was honoured with the "Exceptional Leadership in Elevating UK-India Ties" award at the UK-India Awards 2026 in London, recognising his contribution to strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations between India and the United Kingdom. The ceremony, organised by the India Global Forum (IGF), also recognised the negotiating teams from both countries for their role in finalising the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which is scheduled to come into force on July 15.

Goyal received the award during the tenth anniversary celebrations of the India Global Forum's UK-India Awards. He was joined on stage by his British counterpart, Peter Kyle, and India Global Forum founder Manoj Ladwa. The event highlighted the successful conclusion of negotiations for the landmark trade agreement, which is expected to significantly enhance economic cooperation and commercial ties between the two nations.

Addressing the gathering, Goyal expressed confidence that the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement would become a model for future free trade agreements around the world. He said the pact extends beyond tariff reductions and rules of origin, covering collaboration in technology, education, culture, the arts, trade in goods and services, and innovation. He described the agreement as balanced, fair and equitable, reflecting the interests of both countries.

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The minister also praised the negotiating teams from India and the United Kingdom for their years of dedicated work in finalising the agreement. He acknowledged that the negotiations involved detailed discussions on every provision and product but said both sides approached the process with fairness, mutual respect and a willingness to accommodate each other's concerns, resulting in a comprehensive and mutually beneficial trade pact.

During his three-day visit to the United Kingdom, Goyal also met business leaders and investors from both countries to review preparations for implementing the agreement. At a business reception, he highlighted the opportunities expected to emerge from the CETA and encouraged companies to fully utilise the agreement to expand trade, attract investment and strengthen innovation-driven partnerships across multiple sectors.

The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement is expected to deepen economic engagement between the two countries by promoting greater market access, investment and business collaboration. With the agreement set to take effect on July 15, both governments are working closely with industry stakeholders to ensure its smooth implementation and maximise the long-term benefits for businesses and consumers in India and the United Kingdom.

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