New Delhi/London: State Bank of India (SBI), through its UK operations, has launched a dedicated India-UK CETA Facilitation Desk to help businesses in both countries take advantage of new trade and investment opportunities created by the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
The initiative, launched jointly with SBI’s London Branch, aims to strengthen trade and investment ties between India and the UK by providing businesses with financial solutions, market-entry guidance and access to potential business partners.
The new desk was formally inaugurated by Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Managing Director – International Banking, Global Markets and Technology, State Bank of India.
SBI CETA Desk to Support India-UK Businesses
The India-UK CETA Facilitation Desk will leverage SBI’s established presence in both India and the UK to help companies explore opportunities arising from the trade agreement.
Venkateswaran Dakshinamurthy, Regional Head (UK Operations), SBI, said the initiative aims to help businesses make better use of the opportunities created by CETA.
The desk will provide banking solutions, market-entry support and connectivity with relevant industries and businesses in both markets.
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Financial Solutions for UK Businesses Entering India
UK companies looking to expand into India will receive access to a range of banking and financial solutions through SBI’s London Branch.
These include:
- Trade finance
- Working capital facilities
- Term loans
- Guidance on potential Indian geographies, states and cities
- Introductions to potential Indian business counterparts
- Distributor and partner insights through SBI’s India branch network
The initiative is designed to help UK businesses better understand the Indian market and identify potential customers, distributors and business partners.
SBI to Help Indian Companies Enter the UK Market
The CETA Facilitation Desk will also support Indian businesses seeking to expand their operations in the UK.
Financial solutions available to Indian businesses will include:
- Trade finance
- Export finance
- Bill discounting
- Guidance on potential UK sectors and geographies
- Introductions to potential UK counterparts
- Distributor and buyer connectivity
- Information on potential customers and importers
This support is aimed at helping Indian exporters and businesses establish stronger connections in the UK market.
SBI Highlights Role in Strengthening India-UK Economic Ties
Sakuntala Sanyal, CEO, SBI UK, said the desk combines SBI’s deep presence in India with its understanding of the UK market to help businesses enter both markets with greater confidence.
The initiative is expected to support companies in identifying suitable market opportunities while facilitating stronger commercial connections between Indian and UK businesses.
India-UK CETA Came Into Force on July 15, 2026
The India-UK CETA, signed in July last year, came into force on July 15, 2026.
The agreement is expected to provide businesses with substantially lower or zero tariffs across major product segments, improved market access for goods and services and greater mobility for business visitors and professionals.
The agreement is also expected to improve the price competitiveness of Indian exports in the UK and create opportunities for increased foreign direct investment (FDI) and cross-border business collaboration.
Current annual bilateral trade between India and the UK stands at around £47.9 billion, with the agreement targeting significant growth and an expected doubling of trade by FY2030.
Key Indian Sectors Expected to Benefit from CETA
Several Indian industries are expected to gain from improved market access and lower tariffs under the agreement.
Key sectors include:
- Textiles and garments
- Pharmaceuticals
- Engineering goods and auto-components
- IT and technology services
- Gems and jewellery
- Chemicals
- Telecom and electrical equipment
- Food and marine products
- Financial and professional services
- Leather and footwear
UK Sectors Set to Gain from India Market Access
The agreement is also expected to create new opportunities for UK businesses across several sectors.
The key areas include:
- Financial services
- Education
- Automobiles and electric vehicles
- Insurance and legal services
- Aerospace and defence
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Green energy
- Retail and luxury goods
- Advanced manufacturing
- Alcoholic beverages
SBI CETA Desk to Facilitate Trade and Investment
With the India-UK CETA now in force, SBI’s dedicated facilitation desk is positioned to support companies seeking to expand across the two markets.
By combining financing, market-entry guidance and business connectivity, the initiative aims to help businesses navigate new opportunities created by the trade agreement and contribute to deeper India-UK economic and commercial ties.
About State Bank of India
State Bank of India (SBI) is India’s largest public sector bank, offering a wide range of banking and financial services across retail, corporate, international banking and other segments. SBI has a significant international presence and operates in multiple countries, supporting Indian businesses and facilitating cross-border trade and investment.
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