The agreement forms part of the bilateral trade deal and is slated to come into effect together with the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), planned for implementation in the first half of 2026.
The agreement seeks to avoid double social security deductions for employees of both countries on assignments in each other’s territories for up to 36 months. It is aimed at supporting mobility and continued social security coverage of employees on short-term overseas assignments.
The pact is expected to enhance India-UK partnerships in the services sector, leveraging the high skills and innovative service sectors of both countries.
The agreement was signed by India’s foreign secretary Vikram Misri and UK high commissioner to India Lindy Cameron in Delhi.
India has been entering into bilateral social security agreements (SSAs) with other countries in order to protect the interests of its professionals and skilled workers working abroad for short durations and to boost the competitiveness of Indian companies.
At the time of signing of the India-UK CETA in July 2025, both governments had committed to concluding an agreement on social security, an official said.
The signed agreement will be put up on the websites of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation for the information of the stakeholders so they can secure Certificates of Coverage (CoC) to avoid making double social security contributions.