Mumbai to host UK-India CETA Marketplace
Mumbai will host the first UK–India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) Marketplace on October 13, bringing together senior UK cabinet ministers, seven mayors from Northern England and more than 100 British businesses to explore trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. Hosted by Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner for South Asia, the event will showcase British innovation, products and services while translating the landmark trade agreement into tangible commercial opportunities.
The marketplace will feature businesses and institutions from sectors including advanced manufacturing, clean technology, healthcare, fintech, education, consumer products and infrastructure. It aims to connect UK and Indian companies, facilitate partnerships and help businesses access new markets.
“The UK–India trade deal has opened an exciting new chapter in our economic partnership. The CETA Marketplace is about bringing that opportunity to life, connecting businesses directly with the products, expertise and partnerships that can drive growth,” Kang said. The agreement provides for tariff liberalisation on 90 per cent of UK goods exported to India, while 99 per cent of Indian goods exported to the UK are set to benefit from duty-free or reduced-tariff access, according to the initiative’s details. Key benefits include duty-free access for Scottish salmon in India, reduced tariffs on Scotch whisky and significant tariff reductions for British automobiles.
Sashi Mukundan, Executive Vice President of Rolls-Royce India, said the agreement would create greater opportunities for trade, investment and collaboration.
He highlighted its potential to strengthen cooperation in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, building on Rolls-Royce’s more than 90-year partnership with India.
Prominent participating businesses and supporting organisations include Rolls-Royce, British Airways, Carbon Clean, Smith + Nephew, Interpolitan Money, Queen Elizabeth’s Global Schools in Gurugram, part of GEDU Global Education, Virgin Atlantic and Diageo India. The event comes as businesses across the UK, particularly in Northern England and Scotland, increasingly view India as a strategic partner for exports, investment and innovation.
The CETA Marketplace aims to turn improved market access into lasting commercial partnerships, stronger supply chains and new growth opportunities for businesses in both countries.
