Union Minister of Commerce and Industry holds bilateral meeting with UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Mr Peter J Kyle on the sidelines of WTO MC-14 in Yaounde, Cameroon

**Executive Summary** This report details the bilateral meeting between India’s Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in March 2026. The meeting confirmed that both nations have completed the ratification and parliamentary approval processes for the India-UK Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CETA). Key actions include finalizing the entry into force based on agreed timelines and launching extensive business outreach initiatives to maximize the agreement's benefits. **Key Points / Main Content** **Status of India-UK CETA** * India has completed all internal approvals and ratification processes for the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). * The UK has finished its parliamentary approval for the India-UK CETA. * Both nations are moving toward the formal entry into force of the agreement according to established timelines. **Business Outreach and Investment** * The Indian government emphasized the need for outreach plans to ensure CETA benefits reach businesses across all regions of India. * The UK plans to organize business delegations and regional outreach activities, specifically targeting areas such as Scotland and Manchester. * India has extended a formal invitation to UK businesses to explore investment opportunities in various sectors, with a specific focus on rural transformation initiatives. **WTO MC-14 Agenda and Global Trade** * Both ministers agreed to maintain inclusivity during evolving trade discussions within the World Trade Organization (WTO). * Cooperation was established regarding WTO reforms and the continuation of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions. * Joint support was expressed for the moratorium on Non-violation and Situation Complaints under the TRIPS Agreement. **Impact Analysis** **Businesses (India and UK)** **Impact** Enterprises will soon benefit from the trade preferences and economic cooperation framework established by the CETA. There is a specific focus on diversifying investment into new regions and sectors, including rural development. **Action Required** Businesses should engage with upcoming government outreach activities, join planned business delegations, and evaluate new investment and partnership opportunities across both nations. **Indian and UK Government Agencies** **Impact** Relevant departments are now tasked with the final administrative steps for the agreement’s implementation and the execution of bilateral trade strategies. **Action Required** Authorities must coordinate the "entry into force" logistics and initiate regional outreach programs to ensure that stakeholders are aware of and can utilize the benefits of the CETA. **WTO Member States** **Impact** The unified stance of India and the UK on WTO reforms and specific moratoriums influences the broader multilateral trade agenda. **Action Required** Member states will need to engage with these proposals regarding electronic transmission duties and TRIPS complaints during the MC-14 discussions.

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