India and U.K. locked down a revised social security deal set to kick in July 15. It's expected to save Indian firms,workers about $500 million in social security payments. Part of Double Contribution Convention (DCC) signed back in July 2025 . Originally let Indian companies skip social security for temporary U.K. workers for three years if they kept paying in India.
Now,exemption stretches to five years. This helps around 90-95% of Indian workers in U.K . Over 75,000 Indian nationals work there,with more than 900 Indian companies . Official from Commerce Ministry said savings are based on minimum salaries of these workers,providing real relief for Indian businesses.
Before,Indian workers got hit twice,paying social security in both countries. Most stayed in U.K. for up to five years,but benefits from U.K. system only kicked in after ten years. Many workers paid without seeing any benefits from U.K. setup.
Besides social security pact,two nations ironed out issues over recent U.K. steel tariffs that delayed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). CETA signed last July,was supposed to start by May 2026. New steel import rules forced talks to fix problem without overhauling entire deal.
Officials said 85% of India's steel exports to U.K. got hit by these tariffs,amounting to about $890 million. Only $137 million directly affected. Another official said a deal was reached just in time to address India's steel concerns. They stressed India keeps market access,overall deal works.
Details on steel tariff concessions India snagged remain under wraps,as talks with other countries continue. But officials noted India will get mix of country-specific quotas,residual quotas,access under authorized-use schemes . More info expected July 1,when new U.K. tariffs start…
