News and Events

Round-table on the Emerging Scenario after the India–UK CETA Trade Agreement - 11th September, 2025

September 17, 2025

The Consulate General of India in Birmingham hosted a round-table discussion on 11 September 2025 on the emerging opportunities and potential impact of the recently concluded India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The event served as a dynamic platform to connect policy makers, industry leaders, and business representatives from both nations to explore new avenues of bilateral trade and investment. The round-table witnessed the participation of more than 25 leading UK businesses. These included representatives from the UK Department for Business and Trade, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, West Midlands Combined Authority, as well as several prominent CEOs and senior industry figures. The UK delegation expressed a strong interest in deepening their commercial engagement with India and in identifying areas for long-term collaboration. In his keynote remarks, Consul General Dr. Venkatachalam Murugam highlighted the far-reaching impact of the CETA agreement and the immense opportunities it offers for British Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). He underlined the growing synergies between the two economies and encouraged UK companies to leverage India’s expanding market, vibrant start-up ecosystem, and supportive policy environment. A six-member delegation from the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) represented key sectors of Indian enterprise. The delegates shared valuable insights into India’s evolving economic landscape and engaged in in-depth discussions with UK businesses on prospective areas of partnership. They elaborated on the strengths of their respective industries—ranging from manufacturing and technology to services—and outlined specific opportunities for collaboration. These exchanges opened up fresh avenues for UK businesses to consider investments and joint ventures in India. The interaction also highlighted how Indian and British enterprises can co-create solutions and mutually benefit from each other’s markets, expertise, and innovation ecosystems. The event concluded with a networking and Q&A session, which allowed participants to further clarify sector-specific queries and build direct connections. The discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and the UK to strengthen economic ties and foster a robust, future-focused trade partnership under the new CETA framework.