India Secures UK Social Security Relief
India has secured a five-year social security contribution exemption for Indian professionals temporarily working in the United Kingdom under the India-UK trade agreement. The move is expected to reduce costs for Indian companies and employees, while improving the competitiveness of Indian talent in the UK market.
India UK Social Security Exemption
Under the new arrangement, Indian professionals sent to the UK by Indian companies will not be required to pay UK social security contributions for up to five years. The benefit will also apply to employees transferred to affiliates or sister concerns in Britain.
To claim the exemption, workers must continue contributing to India’s social security system and obtain a Certificate of Coverage. The exemption period has been extended from the earlier three-year limit to five years, marking a key gain for India in the negotiations.
India UK Trade Agreement From July 15
The social security arrangement will come into effect along with the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement on July 15, 2026. The agreement is expected to deepen trade and investment links between the two economies.
The deal aims to expand market access, reduce trade barriers and support greater movement of skilled professionals. For Indian companies operating in the UK, the social security relief could lower assignment costs and make overseas deployment more viable.
India UK Steel Export Access
India has also addressed concerns over the UK’s proposed steel safeguard measures, which had emerged as a major issue in the final stage of the agreement. A large share of India’s steel exports to the UK is expected to remain outside the restrictive measures.
Market access will be supported through quotas and authorised-use mechanisms. The resolution helped prevent delays in implementing the wider trade agreement.
