Pharma cos get access to UK's NHS procurement plan
NEW DELHI: The India-UK Comprehensive Economic & Trade Agreement (CETA) provides Indian pharma companies access to the procurement programme of the National Health Scheme and other govt agencies, which are estimated to be to the tune of $122 billion.
NHS in England alone buys medicines of $25 billion in addition to medical devices, which can now be tapped by Indian companies that would be treated on a par with their UK counterparts under govt procurement chapter of CETA.
"The agreement opens govt procurement in both countries... The agreement is mutually beneficial for both the economies," commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said at a press conference.
India is eyeing major gains in pharmaceuticals sectors, where its exports are under $1 billion.
Barthwal said that CETA will also help address regulatory concerns faster as mechanisms have been put in place and offer predictability for businesses in the long run.
After the UAE, the UK pact is the second trade agreement that India signed with a chapter on govt procurement. The agreement, however, restricts the participation of British companies in tenders above Rs 5.5 crore and only to those issued by the Centre.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Anne Hegerty And Her Partner, Who You Will Easily Recognize
Sport Pirate
Undo
India and the UK are looking to more than double bilateral trade to $112 billion by 2030 with both sides deciding to lower tariffs significantly. Currently, 48.2% of India's exports by value (47.3% of tariff lines) enter the UK at zero duty under the MFN regime. With the FTA, the coverage will be 99% of the goods and 100% of the value.
On its part, India has opened 89.5% of its tariff lines, covering 91% of the UK's exports. But only 24.5% of the UK's export value will enjoy immediate duty-free market access with the rest of the cuts staggered over five to 10 years to provide adequate time for domestic industry to adjust.
Barthwal said that the negotiations have kept in mind the future growth path of the economy and the tariff adjustments are nuanced.
The India-UK free trade agreement, however, does not include a provision on Britain's proposed carbon tax, but if such a tax is imposed in the future, India will have the right to take steps to mitigate its impact on domestic exports, sources said on Friday.
Govt on Friday said that it has stuck to India's stance on intellectual property rights, including the patent regime and the outcome in CETA represented a "balanced and forward-looking approach". "It strengthens cooperation while preserving India's sovereign rights in matters of patent policy and access to essential medicines," it said.
Stay informed with the latest
business
news, updates on
bank holidays
and
public holidays
.
AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
8 minutes ago
- First Post
'Disgusted' Trump warns new sanctions on Russia as he announces Witkoff's visit to Moscow
US President Donald Trump announced that his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, will be heading to Russia as he threatened new sanctions against Moscow read more US President Donald Trump said his foreign envoy, Steve Witkoff, will travel to Russia in the coming days as he threatened new sanctions against Moscow. Trump revealed his ambition while speaking to reporters on Thursday afternoon. While lambasting Russia, Trump described the country's continued assault on Ukraine as 'disgusting'. However, he expressed scepticism over whether these sanctions would bother Russian President Vladimir Putin. 'We're gonna put sanctions, I don't know that sanctions bother him [Putin]', Trump told reporters at the White House. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump went on to reveal that Witkoff's previously unknown travel to Israel will be followed by his trip to Russia. 'He's going to Russia, believe it or not,' Trump said when questioned about Witkoff's current trip to the Middle East, where he is meeting with officials to discuss Israel's war in Gaza. Trump calls Russian assault on Ukraine 'disgusting' It is pertinent to note that Witkoff's last known visit to Russia was in April this year, when he met Putin in the Kremlin. However, the talks between the two did not yield an immediate breakthrough in bringing the Ukraine war to an end. Since then, Trump's frustration towards Putin has been increasing to a great extent, with prospects for peace growing dim. On Thursday, Trump showed his anger when asked about Russia's continued missile strikes towards Ukraine. 'I think it's disgusting what they're doing. I think it's disgusting,' he said. 'I don't know that sanctions bother him. You know, they know about sanctions. I know better than anybody about sanctions and tariffs and everything else. I don't know if that has any effect, but we're going to do it," he concluded. It is pertinent to note that the US has introduced 25 per cent sanctions on Indian goods because of New Delhi's continued purchase of oil from Russia. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has warned the same thing to China as well, to which Beijing pointed out how the US continues to trade with Russia.
The Hindu
8 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh: Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar meets Thrissur Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath
Amid the furore over the arrest of two Keralite nuns in Chhattisgarh, BJP Kerala State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar held a closed-door meeting with Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) president and Thrissur Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath at the Archdiocese headquarters in Thrissur, Kerala, on Friday (August 1, 2025) morning. The meeting, which lasted over 30 minutes, was also attended by Auxiliary Bishop Tony Neelankavil and focussed on the legal and humanitarian response to the arrests. According to sources, the discussion primarily focussed on the legal matters related to the bail plea of the arrested nuns and the Central government's stance on the issue, including assurances received from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. 'Deeply pained and outraged Speaking to the media after the meeting, Archbishop Andrews Thazhath said: 'We are deeply pained and outraged over the arrest of the nuns. Our foremost demand is that they be released as soon as possible. We have conveyed this concern to leaders of all political parties, including the BJP. I am glad that Mr. Chandrasekhar responded swiftly and took immediate action.' He stressed the 'need for justice and security' for minorities in the country. 'We must have the freedom to live as Indian citizens without fear. Attacks against Christians are increasing, and we have made this clear to the BJP leadership. Minorities in India must be given the opportunity to live freely and securely,' he said. Expressing appreciation for the meeting, the Archbishop added: 'We are thankful to Mr. Chandrasekhar for coming here to discuss what the Prime Minister and the Home Minister have conveyed. It's a welcome gesture. We reiterate that the nuns have not engaged in any religious conversion, and we urge everyone to work together to prevent further attacks and injustices against minorities.' Don't politicise the issue: Chandrasekhar Speaking to mediapersons, Mr. Chandrasekhar confirmed that he had been actively involved in addressing the case since he was first contacted by the Church. 'The moment the Archbishop called and requested help after the arrests, we have been on the case. We are making every effort to resolve the matter swiftly.' He revealed that the Chhattisgarh government is not opposing the bail application, and added: 'The Prime Minister has assured that the bail process will not be hindered. But don't ask me the exact day bail will be granted — there are legal procedures to follow.' Dismissing accusations of politicisation, Mr. Chandrasekhar stated: 'This issue should never be politicised. The BJP is not viewing this politically. We don't help people based on religion or politics. Helping those in need is in our DNA.' Slams Opposition Taking a veiled dig at Opposition parties, he said: 'Some people are playing political drama outside jails, while our focus is to address the Church's concerns urgently. It is not our job to investigate why the nuns took the children and where.' 'Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand are sensitive States. The BJP is not responsible for the Anti-Conversion Bill passed there. The police have acted under the Private Placement Agency Regulation Act, citing procedural violations. No hearing on the bail plea has taken place yet,' said Mr. Chandrasekhar. He also mentioned that BJP leader Shone George has gone to Delhi to help coordinate the Church's concerns with the Central government. The meeting has come at a critical juncture as the arrests have sparked anger among Christian communities across the country. The outreach from the BJP, particularly through direct engagement with Church leaders, is being seen as an attempt to contain the fallout.
The Hindu
8 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Bengaluru-based brands Comet and Naru Noodle Bar drop a sneaker collab that you did not see coming
The Comet X Naru sneaker comprises 400 pairs that will drop on August 2 at 11 am at Comet' store in Indiranagar, Bengaluru, and online the following evening I noisily tear open my Naru ramen noodle soup packet and a pair of sneakers tumble out. These sneakers have — hold your breath — chopsticks sticking out of them, not by accident but by design. This is the result of a collaboration between homegrown sneaker brand Comet and Naru Noodle Bar, Bengaluru. While a footwear label and restaurant collab is unusual, it's not unheard of. In the past we have seen Burger King X Fila, (Dubai-based Pakistani restaurant) Ravi X Adidas, KOIO X Dominique Ansel. But this is, perhaps, the first time, two young Indian brands are creating something like this. The Comet X Naru sneaker comprises 400 pairs that will drop on August 2 at 11 am at Comet's store in Indiranagar, Bengaluru. Following which, a few pieces will drop on the website on August 3 at 6 pm. 'This is a Bengaluru first community drop. Both are Bengaluru brands. We've got lots of love from them and they have given us a platform to thrive on,' says Utkarsh Gupta, co-founder of Comet, adding that Comet's first collab was with artist Santanu Hazarika. Naru has joined forces before, with chefs, restaurants, and local artists for T-shirts. 'But this is the first time we are collaborating with a sneaker brand,' says Kavan Kuttappa, chef and founder of Naru Noodle Bar. After a meal at Naru, Utkarsh was visibly impressed with the food, attention to detail, and how passionate Kavan was. That got him thinking. 'And after six months of planning, design and samples, we are here,' adds Kavan. Kavan also was part of the design process. The shoe is black to match Naru's uniform. Then there is the winding Naru logo which resembles noodles and has the word Na in Kannada and rest in Japanese, which is embroidered on the shoe. 'We have also added minor elements at the back, like a monkey on the left and the noodle he is slurping on stretching to the right and ending in a noodle bowl,' explains Utkarsh. It is a black on black stitch and subtle. There are also some hidden elements. Kavan suggested putting Urumaki and Ajimata, inspired by their kitchen, beneath the heel tabs. The final surprise is a pair of detachable chopsticks. Utkarsh says, 'As a founder I am looking for inspiration. And this is cool, unique, fun!' The Comet X Naru sneakers are priced at ₹5,999.
