In contrast to most economies that industrialised, which moved from agriculture to manufacturing, then to services, becoming the dominant part of output, India has taken on the middle, manufacturing-intensive, stage of development. Services today account for 50-55 percent of GDP (the Economic Survey 2025-26 puts the share of services in GDP in H1 FY26 at 53.6 percent of the gross value added), but manufacturing has stubbornly remained at 15-17 percent of GDP for three decades

In 2019, Delhi left the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) due to concerns regarding asymmetric exposure to unchecked Chinese manufacturing for the Indian market through ASEAN routes. The exit was not irrational by any means; the concerns about arbitrage regarding rules of origin were justified. However, this has left India as the largest economy in the region behind China, without a diversified trade anchor to rely on. Illustration by The Geostrata Now, joini

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the UK is a monumental step that was officially signed on 24th of July 2025 , which starts a new chapter of economic cooperation. Illustration by The Geostrata This study is to reflect on the characteristics of this Free Trade Agreement, interpreting their various opportunities for both nations. We will also examine how the CETA proportionally structures the elimination of tariffs and market access across