Discover the India-UK Free Trade Agreement: Are there significant benefits for Indians? Explore the new visa options and the exemptions from social security payments!

India-UK Free Trade Deal: What It Means for Indians – Easier Visas, No More Double Social Security Payments India and the UK have officially signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a major step forward in their economic partnership. The deal was sealed on Thursday by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and the UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds. The signing took place in the presence of Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer. Calling it a “big win,” Minister Goyal shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the UK is now “rolling out the red carpet for ‘Made in India’.” The agreement is projected to boost trade between the two countries by $34 billion every year. What’s in it for Indians? 1. New Opportunities for Indian Professionals The FTA opens up new international avenues for India’s skilled workforce. It promises better access to the UK market across several key service sectors such as: IT and IT-enabled services Financial and legal services Professional and educational services Digital trade Indian professionals – whether working on long-term projects or temporary contracts – will benefit. This includes engineers, architects, chefs, yoga instructors, and even musicians. The UK will now have simplified visa procedures and more relaxed entry rules, making it easier for Indian talent to live and work there. 2. No More Double Social Security Payments A big relief for Indian workers posted in the UK is the exemption from paying into the UK’s social security system if they're already covered in India. This eliminates the burden of double contributions, which has been a longstanding concern for Indian professionals abroad.