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Services are the UK's biggest export strength, and India is one of its largest services trading partners. The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement makes useful progress for services firms, though less than goods exporters received.
What has changed
- Cross-border supply: UK businesses can supply covered services, such as telecoms, environmental and construction services, without setting up a company in India or being resident there.
- Equal treatment: in covered sectors, UK service providers receive the same or similar treatment as Indian businesses.
- Public procurement: UK firms can bid for certain Indian central government and state-owned enterprise contracts, which opens consultancy and engineering opportunities.
- Double Contribution Convention: since 15 July 2026, staff on temporary postings between the UK and India pay social security contributions in their home country only. For firms that move consultants and engineers across the corridor, this cuts costs and paperwork.
What has not changed yet
For regulated professions, the agreement sets a framework for future talks on mutual recognition of qualifications rather than immediate access. It does not open the Indian market to foreign legal services. Accountants, architects and other regulated professionals should treat the agreement as a starting point.
Where the opportunities are
- Engineering and infrastructure consultancy: supported by procurement access and India's infrastructure programme.
- Environmental and clean energy services: a covered sector with strong demand.
- Financial and business services: advisory, insurance and fintech partnerships, including through GIFT City.
- India to UK: Indian technology and business services firms expanding their UK presence, helped by the Double Contribution Convention.
What businesses should do now
- Check whether your service falls within a covered sector.
- Review staff posted between the two countries under the Double Contribution Convention.
- Watch the mutual recognition talks if you work in a regulated profession.
- Identify procurement opportunities with Indian public bodies.
Our view
The services chapter is a foundation rather than a finished structure. Firms that build relationships now will be ready as access widens. UKISIF can brief members on the detail and feed their experience into the next stage of negotiations.
General information only, not legal or tax advice. Sources: HLC briefing, GOV.UK. Related: CETA hub