India’s newly operational Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the United Kingdom reflects a more balanced and strategic approach to free trade by expanding market access while continuing to protect sensitive sectors such as dairy. Unlike earlier trade agreements that drew criticism for exposing domestic producers to import competition, the India-UK pact preserves safeguards for India’s dairy industry, recognising its importance to the livelihoods of over 8 crore dairy farming families.
The agreement focuses on reducing tariffs across thousands of products, boosting bilateral trade, services and investment, while avoiding concessions that could expose Indian dairy producers to competition from subsidised overseas imports. Analysts view the pact as evidence of India’s evolving trade strategy—pursuing greater global integration without compromising food security or farmer welfare.
The approach also aligns with recent calls from NDDB Chairman Dr. Meenesh Shah, who has argued that India’s dairy sector should remain protected under free trade agreements until it becomes globally competitive through higher productivity, stronger value addition, improved quality standards and enhanced processing infrastructure. The agreement is expected to strengthen broader India-UK economic ties while preserving policy space for the continued development of India’s cooperative-led dairy ecosystem. (reuters.com)
Source: Dairynews7x7 22 July, 2026 Read full story here
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