HYDERABAD, JULY 15, 2026: The entry into force of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) on July 15, 2026, was marked by the flagging off of export consignments from Telangana to the United Kingdom at Hyderabad on Wednesday.
Flagging off the consignments at the Inland Container Depot (ICD), Sanathnagar, Shri Krishna Aditya, Special Secretary, Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Telangana, said the Agreement marks a significant milestone in India–UK economic relations and will substantially improve market access for Indian exporters. He said reducing tariffs on a large number of products would enhance the competitiveness of Telangana exports and create new opportunities for export-oriented industries.
Dr Sampath Kumar, Additional Director General of Foreign Trade, Hyderabad, said the India–UK CETA would provide preferential tariff access across a wide range of products and significantly enhance export opportunities for Indian businesses in the UK market.
Bhavani Sri, Deputy Commissioner, SEZ, Visakhapatnam, said the benefits of the Agreement would extend to industries of all sizes, including MSMEs. She noted that Telangana’s strengths in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, electronics and food processing position the State to leverage the opportunities created under the Agreement.
R.P. Naidu, Regional Head, APEDA (Telangana & Andhra Pradesh), said the Agreement offers significant opportunities for exports of APEDA-scheduled products, including agricultural products, processed foods, dairy products, confectionery and millets.
Siddharth Viswanathan, Head of Trade and Investment, UK High Commission, described the India–UK CETA as a landmark agreement that would facilitate trade through improved market access, streamlined customs procedures and simplified documentation, thereby strengthening bilateral trade and investment.
Telangana to Benefit from Preferential Market Access
The India–UK CETA is expected to provide significant opportunities for Telangana’s export-oriented sectors through preferential tariff access, improved market access, simplified customs procedures and enhanced regulatory cooperation.
The United Kingdom is one of Telangana’s important export destinations, with exports valued at approximately US$402.5 million during 2025–26. Major export items include pharmaceuticals and biologicals, electronic instruments, electrical machinery, chemicals, engineering goods and medical devices.
With the elimination or substantial reduction of tariffs on several products, Telangana’s exports are expected to become more competitive in the UK market. The Agreement is expected to particularly benefit sectors such as pharmaceuticals, life sciences, electronics, engineering, chemicals, food processing and agriculture. It is also expected to encourage greater participation of MSMEs in global value chains, attract investment into export-oriented manufacturing and promote employment generation.
As part of the celebrations marking the entry into force of the Agreement, parallel export flag-off events were organised at Nizamabad and Hyderabad. At Nizamabad, Tripathi, District Collector, flagged off a rice export consignment of M/s Shree Gajanan Industries in the presence of officials from APEDA and the Spices Board. At Hyderabad, Sambhaji Chavan, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, flagged off a consignment of food products exported by M/s Fumar Agri Foods Pvt. Ltd., along with APEDA officials.
The event at ICD, Sanathnagar, was attended by Dr Sampath Kumar, Additional Director General of Foreign Trade, Hyderabad; Bhavani Sri, Deputy Commissioner, SEZ, Visakhapatnam; R.P. Naidu, Regional Head, APEDA (Telangana & Andhra Pradesh); Siddharth Viswanathan, Head of Trade and Investment, UK High Commission; M.V.S.N. Vamsidhar, Assistant Commissioner of Customs, ICD, Sanathnagar; and senior officials from the Department of Commerce, Customs, APEDA and export promotion agencies.
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