<p>New Delhi: The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the UK, signed in London on Thursday, will take at least a year to become operational, as it requires approval from the British Parliament, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said on Friday.</p><p>“In the UK, it will take almost a year or so before it is ratified in Parliament,” Barthwal stated at a media briefing.</p><p>He said that the agreement must be approved by both houses of Parliament — the House of Commons and the House of Lords. There is also likely to be a select committee discussion on the issue. </p><p>In India, the deal has already been approved by the Union Cabinet. No parliamentary approval is required here for free trade agreements to be implemented.</p><p>Referring to discussions with his British counterpart, Barthwal said the UK has expressed willingness to ratify the agreement in Parliament at the earliest.</p><p>He said that the British government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is keen on the early implementation of the deal.</p><p>According to Barthwal, the Indian government would utilise the time for capacity building of exporters and other stakeholders.</p><p>Barthwal claimed that the deal would bring significant benefits to several labour-intensive sectors, including textiles, leather, footwear and gems & jewellery.</p>.How will India’s auto, farm sectors benefit from UK trade deal?.<p>‘Four times concessions’</p><p>On the auto sector, Barthwal said, “India has secured market access to the tune of four times the concessions given to the UK on electric vehicles in the British market.”</p><p>The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), which represents major vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers in the country, welcomed the agreement, saying that it would open new trade opportunities across industries.</p><p>“The commitments made by the Government of India on automobile sector tariffs strike a thoughtful balance — addressing consumer interests while supporting the broader goals of Indian industry,” said Shailesh Chandra, SIAM president.</p><p>Chandra, who is also the Managing Director of Tata Passenger Vehicles, added, “We view this agreement as part of a wider strategic engagement and believe it opens new avenues for collaboration and opportunity with a key global partner.”</p><p>Commerce Secretary Barthwal clarified that no concessions would be given to the UK in the import of electric, hybrid and hydrogen-powered vehicles in the first five years of the implementation of the deal.</p><p>“Market access in EV is given mostly in the high price segment of vehicles priced above 80,000 British pounds,” he said.</p>
<p>New Delhi: The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the UK, signed in London on Thursday, will take at least a year to become operational, as it requires approval from the British Parliament, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said on Friday.</p><p>“In the UK, it will take almost a year or so before it is ratified in Parliament,” Barthwal stated at a media briefing.</p><p>He said that the agreement must be approved by both houses of Parliament — the House of Commons and the House of Lords. There is also likely to be a select committee discussion on the issue. </p><p>In India, the deal has already been approved by the Union Cabinet. No parliamentary approval is required here for free trade agreements to be implemented.</p><p>Referring to discussions with his British counterpart, Barthwal said the UK has expressed willingness to ratify the agreement in Parliament at the earliest.</p><p>He said that the British government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is keen on the early implementation of the deal.</p><p>According to Barthwal, the Indian government would utilise the time for capacity building of exporters and other stakeholders.</p><p>Barthwal claimed that the deal would bring significant benefits to several labour-intensive sectors, including textiles, leather, footwear and gems & jewellery.</p>.How will India’s auto, farm sectors benefit from UK trade deal?.<p>‘Four times concessions’</p><p>On the auto sector, Barthwal said, “India has secured market access to the tune of four times the concessions given to the UK on electric vehicles in the British market.”</p><p>The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), which represents major vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers in the country, welcomed the agreement, saying that it would open new trade opportunities across industries.</p><p>“The commitments made by the Government of India on automobile sector tariffs strike a thoughtful balance — addressing consumer interests while supporting the broader goals of Indian industry,” said Shailesh Chandra, SIAM president.</p><p>Chandra, who is also the Managing Director of Tata Passenger Vehicles, added, “We view this agreement as part of a wider strategic engagement and believe it opens new avenues for collaboration and opportunity with a key global partner.”</p><p>Commerce Secretary Barthwal clarified that no concessions would be given to the UK in the import of electric, hybrid and hydrogen-powered vehicles in the first five years of the implementation of the deal.</p><p>“Market access in EV is given mostly in the high price segment of vehicles priced above 80,000 British pounds,” he said.</p>