India, UK sign social security agreement to avoid double contributions | External Affairs & Defence Security News

India and the United Kingdom (UK) signed the Social Security Agreement on social security contributions on Tuesday.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the agreement aims to prevent double social security contributions for employees of both countries on temporary assignments for up to 36 months in each other’s territory.

The two governments had committed to signing such an agreement when they signed the free trade agreement Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in July 2025.

The agreement will support the mobility of workers on short-term overseas assignments and the continuation of social security coverage. This will enhance India-UK partnerships in the services sector by leveraging the high skills and innovative service sectors of both countries, the MEA said.

The agreement will enter into force together with CETA, which is planned to be implemented in the first half of this year. The agreement was signed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron.

India enters into bilateral social security agreements (SSAs) with other countries to protect the interests of Indian professionals and skilled workers working abroad for short periods of time and to enhance the competitiveness of Indian companies.

The signed agreement will be available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the website of the Employees’ Assistance Fund Institution, and will be presented to the stakeholders so that they can obtain an insurance coverage certificate that will prevent double SSI premium payments.