The India–UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) held its 16th meeting in New Delhi, where Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Jonathan Reynolds agreed a plan for the smooth operation of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The joint statement was published by the Press Information Bureau on 12 October 2026.
It was the first JETCO since negotiations on the CETA started in January 2022. The two ministers described the agreement as the beginning, not the end, of a deeper economic partnership.
What Did the India-UK JETCO Say About Early CETA Trade?
The statement highlights how quickly businesses used the agreement. On the day CETA entered into force, Indian exporters sent more than 50 consignments to the UK, including smartphones, electrical and mechanical machinery including turbojets, gold jewellery, ready-made garments, woollen yarn, tea and coffee. A shipment of Joha rice from Assam became the first export of that regional variety to the UK.
The first Certificates of Origin under CETA were issued through India’s eCoO 2.0 platform on a self-certification basis. On the UK side, tariff-free Scottish salmon reached India within a fortnight, with several thousand kilos exported since; Scotch whisky has entered India under reduced tariffs; and the first cars exported under the tariff-rate quota have cleared Indian customs.
What Will the Two Governments Do Next?
The ministers agreed a plan to keep CETA running smoothly, including establishing its committees and working groups and confirming government-to-government contact points for every part of the agreement. Officials were asked to resolve challenges quickly, and both sides will keep drawing on feedback from businesses, industry associations and export promotion bodies.
They also agreed to deepen cooperation in services, innovation, government procurement, science and technology, and gender, with more business-to-business engagement and regional partnerships. The meeting coincided with the India–UK Science and Innovation Council, an Innovation Roundtable, and a visit by seven mayors and a combined authority leader from the North of England.
Goyal’s Call to Double Trade
A separate PIB release of 12 October carries the headline that Mr Goyal called for doubling India–UK bilateral trade by 2030. The full text of that release was not available to us, so no further figures are cited here.
Market and Trade Reaction
No market, currency or industry-body reaction to the JETCO statement was found at the time of writing. The statement itself does not give new trade-volume figures or tariff changes.
What Happens Next?
The 17th JETCO will take place in the United Kingdom in 2027. Both sides agreed that visits by high-level delegations should continue to maintain momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the India-UK JETCO?
The Joint Economic and Trade Committee is the ministerial forum where India and the UK review their trade and economic relationship. This was its 16th meeting.
Who attended the 16th JETCO?
Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Jonathan Reynolds, the UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, met in New Delhi.
When is the next JETCO meeting?
The 17th JETCO will be held in the United Kingdom in 2027, according to the joint statement.
Source: Press Information Bureau (Ministry of Commerce and Industry), Joint Statement of the 16th JETCO, 12 October 2026.
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