🤝 A Deal of Balance: India–UK Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA)

Signed recently, the India–UK Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) is being hailed not just as a trade deal, but as a model of fair negotiation between two economies that aimed for mutual benefit over one-sided gains.

Rather than giving everything or taking everything, CETA showcases a give-and-take approach — a template of modern diplomacy and economic strategy.

🔹 India gains:

✅ 99% of UK’s tariff lines now duty-free for Indian goods

✅ Graded reduction on auto duties instead of sudden slashing

✅ Strategic sectors like dairy, oats, and edible oils remain protected

🔹 UK gains:

✅ 90% of India’s tariff lines opened for duty-free access

✅ Better access for UK automobiles into Indian markets

❌ But, India did not concede on higher visa quotas for professionals

Each concession was matched with a protection — highlighting that trade doesn’t mean compromise, but cooperation. For the first time, such an FTA between comparable economies shows how developing nations like India can negotiate from a position of strength.

Beyond tariffs, this agreement also lays the foundation for stronger FDI flows and greater economic collaboration, especially in sectors like tech, manufacturing, and clean energy.

In a world where many FTAs lean toward the developed world, CETA offers a rare and balanced template for future global trade deals.

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