Industry bodies Nasscom and FICCI have welcomed the implementation of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, saying it will create new opportunities in digital trade, investment, innovation and talent mobility. The agreement is being seen as a boost to India’s ambitions of becoming a developed economy…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Industry bodies Nasscom and FICCI have welcomed the coming into force of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), describing it as a major step towards expanding cooperation in technology, trade, investment and talent mobility.
The National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) said the agreement would unlock opportunities across digital trade, innovation and cross-border investment, while strengthening the India-UK technology partnership.
Nasscom also welcomed the conclusion of the Double Contribution Convention (DCC), which allows Indian professionals on short-term assignments in the UK to continue making social security contributions in India instead of the UK for up to five years.
The industry body said the outcome was achieved with support from the Government of India and would benefit technology professionals working on temporary assignments in the UK.
“To carry forward this momentum, Nasscom UK Forum was launched in November 2025, bringing together leading Indian technology companies with significant investments in the UK,” Nasscom said in a statement.
The forum will serve as a strategic platform to strengthen bilateral digital trade, advance the India-UK Technology Security Initiative and Vision 2035 roadmap, and deepen engagement between governments, policymakers and innovation ecosystems.
“As technology becomes an increasingly powerful driver of economic growth, Nasscom remains committed to working with both governments and industry to translate the FTA into tangible outcomes through greater trade, investment, innovation, and talent collaboration,” said Rajesh Nambiar, President, Nasscom.
Manish Malhotra, Chair of Nasscom UK Forum, said the India-UK technology partnership was entering a new phase of growth, with the forum created to provide a long-term platform for industry and government cooperation.
Nasscom said leading Indian technology companies alone support more than 35,000 jobs across the UK, with nearly 62 per cent of employees based outside London. The organisation highlighted the contribution of these companies to regional growth, local talent development and artificial intelligence capability building.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), along with the Agreement on Social Security, had become operational, providing zero-duty market access for nearly 99 per cent of India’s exports and covering almost 100 per cent of trade value.
FICCI President Anant Goenka also welcomed the agreement, saying it supports India’s broader economic growth ambitions.
“This landmark agreement complements the vision of Viksit Bharat, reinforcing the country’s aspirations for sustained economic growth, global competitiveness, and deeper integration with international markets,” Goenka said.
He added that stronger economic partnerships would help expand business opportunities, strengthen industrial capabilities and increase India’s participation in global trade and investment networks.
The India-UK FTA includes provisions covering trade in goods and services, digital trade, investment, mobility and economic cooperation. Industry leaders said the agreement could help create new opportunities for businesses while supporting innovation and stronger global links.
The implementation of the agreement comes as India continues efforts to expand international partnerships and accelerate economic transformation through trade, technology and investment cooperation.
