The request referred to in paragraph 1 shall identify the issues with any steps taken to comply and the legal basis for the complaint, including the provisions of this Agreement alleged to have been breached and to be addressed by the compliance panel, sufficient to present the problem clearly.
The compliance panel shall make an objective assessment of the matter before it and shall set out in its compliance report:
a descriptive section summarising the submissions and arguments of the Parties;
its findings on the facts of the matter;
its findings on the existence or consistency with this Agreement of any steps taken by the responding Party to comply with the final report; and
the reasons for its findings.
The compliance panel shall issue an interim compliance report to the Parties no later than 90 days after the date of request pursuant to paragraph 1 and its final compliance report within 45 days thereafter.
In exceptional cases, if the compliance panel considers that it cannot issue its interim compliance report within the time period specified in paragraph 5, it shall promptly inform the Parties, in writing, of the reasons for the delay together with an estimate of when it will issue its interim compliance report. The compliance panel shall not exceed an additional period of 30 days.
A Party may submit to the compliance panel written comments no later than 20 days after the date of issuance of the interim compliance report. After considering any written comments by the Parties on the interim compliance report, the compliance panel may modify its report and make any further examination it considers appropriate. The interim compliance report and the contents of any comments made on an interim compliance report shall not be made public.
Compensation and Suspension of Concessions or other Obligations
Compensation and suspension of concessions or other obligations shall be temporary and shall only be applied until such time as:
the Parties agree on the existence or consistency of the steps notified in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 29.16 (Compliance Review after Suspension of Concessions or other Obligations);
the responding Party is found, pursuant to Article 29.16 (Compliance Review after Suspension of Concessions or other Obligations), to have complied with the final report; or
the Parties have reached a mutually agreed solution.
However, neither compensation nor the suspension of concessions or other obligations is preferred to full compliance with the final report. Compensation is voluntary and, if granted, shall be consistent with this Agreement.
Mutually Acceptable Compensation
The responding Party shall, on request of the complaining Party, enter into consultations with a view to agreeing on mutually acceptable compensation if:
the responding Party fails to provide a notification in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 29.13 (Compliance with the Final Report);
the responding Party fails to notify, pursuant to paragraph 5 of Article
29.13 (Compliance with the Final Report), any steps taken to comply with the final report; or
the compliance panel finds, pursuant to Article 29.14 (Compliance Review), that the responding Party has failed to comply with the final report.
Notification for Suspension of Concessions or other Obligations
Where the complaining Party intends to suspend the application of concessions or other obligations under this Agreement, it shall notify the responding Party in writing, provided:
the Parties decided not to enter into consultations for any of the circumstances set out in subparagraphs 2(a) to 2(c);
the Parties have failed to agree on mutually acceptable compensation under paragraph 2 within 25 days of the date of the request to enter into consultations pursuant to paragraph 2; or
the Parties have agreed on mutually acceptable compensation under paragraph 2 but the complaining Party considers that the responding Party has failed to observe the terms of the agreement.
A notification made pursuant to paragraph 3 shall specify:
the level of concessions or other obligations that the complaining Party proposes to suspend;
the relevant sector or sectors to which the concessions or other obligations relate; and
where subparagraph 5(b) applies, the reasons on which the complaining Party’s decision to suspend concessions or other obligations in a different sector is based.
Principles Applying to Suspension of Concessions or other Obligations
In considering what concessions or other obligations to suspend under paragraph 3, the complaining Party shall apply the following principles:
the general principle is that the complaining Party should first seek to suspend concessions or other obligations in the same sector or sectors as that in which the panel has found an inconsistency with this Agreement;
if it considers that it is not practicable or effective to suspend concessions or other obligations in the same sector or sectors as that in which the panel has found an inconsistency with this Agreement, the complaining Party may seek to suspend concessions or other obligations in other sectors under this agreement; and
it shall only suspend concessions or other obligations that are subject to dispute settlement in accordance with Article 29.4 (Scope).
The level of suspension of concessions or other obligations shall not exceed a level equivalent to the level of nullification or impairment.
Right to Suspend Concessions or other Obligations
The complaining Party shall have the right to implement the suspension of concessions or other obligations 45 days after the date of receipt of the complaining Party’s notification by the responding Party referred to in paragraph 3.
The right to suspend concessions or other obligations under paragraph 7 shall not be exercised if:
a review is being undertaken pursuant to paragraphs 9 and 10; or
the Parties have reached a mutually agreed solution in accordance with Article 29.18 (Mutually Agreed Solution), that the complaining Party shall not exercise its right to suspend concessions or other obligations pursuant to paragraph 3.
Reconvened Panel Proceedings
If the responding Party:
objects to the proposed level of suspension of concessions or other obligations on the basis that it exceeds a level equivalent to the level of nullification or impairment;
considers that it has complied with the terms and conditions of any compensation agreed pursuant to paragraph 2; or
claims that the complaining Party has failed to follow the principles set out in paragraph 5,
it may request in writing, no later than 30 days after the date of receipt of the notification referred to in paragraph 3, the panel to reconvene to make findings on the matter (hereinafter referred to as the “reconvened panel”).
The reconvened panel shall reconvene no later than 10 days after the date of the request pursuant to paragraph 9. The reconvened panel shall notify its decision to the Parties no later than 90 days after the date of the request. In exceptional cases, if the reconvened panel considers that it cannot notify its decision within this time period it shall inform the Parties in writing of the reasons for the delay together with an estimate of when it will issue its decision. The reconvened panel shall not exceed an additional period of 30 days.
Concessions or other obligations shall not be suspended until the reconvened panel has notified its decision. Any suspension of concessions or other obligations shall be consistent with the reconvened panel’s decision.
Compliance Review after Suspension of Concessions or other Obligations
If the right to suspend concessions or other obligations has been exercised pursuant to paragraph 7 of Article 29.15 (Compensation and Suspension of Concessions or other Obligations) or mutually acceptable compensation has been agreed pursuant to paragraph 2 of Article 29.15 (Compensation and Suspension of Concessions or other Obligations) and the responding Party considers that it has complied with paragraph 1 of Article 29.13 (Compliance with the Final Report), the responding Party shall notify the complaining Party of the steps it has taken to comply.
Subject to paragraph 3, the complaining Party shall terminate the suspension of concessions or other obligations within 30 days of receipt of the notification in paragraph 1. In cases where compensation has been applied, and subject to paragraph 3, the responding Party may terminate the application of that compensation within 30 days of the complaining Party’s receipt of the notification in paragraph 1.
If the Parties do not reach an agreement on the existence or consistency with this Agreement of any steps notified in accordance with paragraph 1, no later than 30 days after the date of the complaining Party’s receipt of the notification the responding Party may request in writing the original panel to reconvene to examine the matter (hereinafter referred to as the “review panel”).
The review panel shall notify its decision to the Parties no later than 90 days of the date of the request. In exceptional cases, if the review panel considers that it cannot notify its decision within this timeframe, it shall inform the Parties in writing of the reasons for the delay together with an estimate of when it will issue its decision. The review panel shall not exceed an additional period of 30 days.
If the review panel decides that the steps notified in accordance with paragraph
1 achieve compliance with the final report or are consistent with this Agreement, the suspension of concessions or other obligations, or the application of the compensation or alternative arrangement, shall be terminated no later than 30 days after the date of the decision. If the review panel decides that the measures notified in accordance with paragraph 1 do not achieve compliance with the final report or are inconsistent with this Agreement, the suspension of concessions or other obligations, or the application of the compensation or alternative arrangement, may continue. Where relevant, the level of suspension of concessions or other obligations or of the compensation or alternative arrangement, shall be adapted in light of the decision of the review panel.
Suspension or Termination of Proceedings
On the joint request of the Parties, the panel shall suspend its work at any time for a period agreed by the Parties not exceeding 15 consecutive months.
The panel shall resume its work at any time on the joint request of the Parties or at the end of the agreed suspension period on the written request of a Party. The request shall be notified to the panel, as well as to the other Party, where applicable.
In the event of a suspension, the timeframes set out in this Chapter and in the Rules of Procedure shall be extended by the amount of time that the panel’s work was suspended.
If the work of the panel is suspended for more than 15 consecutive months, the authority of the panel shall lapse and the panel proceedings shall be terminated, unless the Parties agree otherwise.
The Parties may agree at any time to terminate the panel proceedings. The Parties shall jointly notify such agreement to the panel.
The Parties may reach a mutually agreed solution at any time with respect to any dispute referred to in Article 29.4 (Scope).
If a mutually agreed solution is reached during panel proceedings, the Parties shall jointly notify the agreed solution to the panel. Upon this notification, the proceedings of the panel shall be terminated.
Each Party shall take measures necessary to implement the mutually agreed solution within the agreed time period.
No later than the date of expiry of the agreed time period, the implementing Party shall inform the other Party in writing of any measures taken to implement the mutually agreed solution.3
If the Parties disagree on whether a dispute concerns a case of urgency and on request of a Party, the panel shall decide, within 15 days of the request, whether a dispute concerns a case of urgency.
Any time period referred to in this Chapter, the Rules of Procedure, or the Code of Conduct may be modified for a dispute by agreement of the Parties. The panel may at any time propose to the Parties to modify any time period, stating the reasons for the proposal.
Rules of Procedure and Code of Conduct
The proceedings provided for in this Chapter shall be conducted in accordance with the Rules of Procedure and the Code of Conduct, unless the Parties agree otherwise.
Notwithstanding subparagraph 2(g) of Article 27.2 (Functions of Joint Committee – Administrative and Institutional Provisions) and Article 30.2 (Amendments – Final Provisions), amendments relating to Annex 29A (Rules
3 Notwithstanding Article 28.6 (Confidentiality – General Provisions and Exceptions), a mutually agreed solution shall be confidential, unless otherwise agreed.
of Procedures) and Annex 29B (Code of Conduct) shall be made by diplomatic notes exchanged between the governments of the Parties.
The Rules of Procedure shall ensure that:
there is at least one hearing before the panel at which each Party may present views orally;
the first hearing shall be held in the capital of the responding Party, and any additional hearings shall alternate between the capitals of the Parties, unless the Parties agree otherwise;
subject to subparagraph (j), a hearing before the panel shall be open for the public to observe, unless the Parties agree otherwise. Hearings held in closed session shall be confidential;
each Party has an opportunity to provide an initial written submission;
the panel may at any time during the proceeding address questions in writing to a Party or the Parties;
subject to subparagraph (j), the request for consultations and the request for establishment of a panel shall be released to the public;
subject to subparagraph (j), a Party may release to the public its own written submissions, written versions of oral statements, and written responses to requests or questions from the panel;
if the Parties agree and subject to any agreed terms and conditions, the panel may accept and consider amicus curiae submissions;
subject to consultations with the Parties, the panel may seek information or technical advice from any expert that it deems appropriate; and
confidential information is protected.
All proceedings of the panel and all documents and information submitted to the panel shall be in the English language.
The renumeration of the panellists and other expenses associated with the conduct of the panel proceedings shall be borne in equal share by both Parties, in accordance with the Rules of Procedure.
Each Party shall bear the cost of its own participation in the proceedings.
Neither Party shall provide for a right of action under its laws or regulations against the other Party on the ground that a measure of the other Party is inconsistent with its obligations under this Agreement or that the other Party has otherwise failed to carry out its obligation under this Agreement.
Each Party shall designate a contact point for this Chapter and shall notify the other Party of the contact details of that contact point within 30 days of entry into force of this Agreement. Each Party shall promptly notify the other Party of any change to those contact details. Any request, notification, written submission, or other document made in accordance with this Chapter shall be delivered to the other Party through its designated contact point.
Chapter 30. FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 30.1. Annexes, Appendices, Footnotes and Side Letters
1. The Annexes, Appendices and footnotes to this Agreement shall constitute an integral part of this Agreement.
2. Side letters exchanged between the Parties in connection with the conclusion of this Agreement shall constitute an integral part of this Agreement if those side letters explicitly so provide.
Article 30.2. Amendments
The Parties may agree, in writing, to amend this Agreement. Such amendments shall enter into force 60 days after the date on which the Parties exchange written notifications confirming that they have completed their respective domestic legal requirements, necessary for the entry into force of the amendments, unless the Parties agree otherwise.
Article 30.3. Territorial Extension
1. At the time of entry into force of this Agreement, or any time thereafter, this Agreement, or specified provisions of it, may be extended to such territories for whose international relations the United Kingdom is responsible. Upon delivery of a written request by the United Kingdom, the Parties shall hold consultations promptly to consider and agree the extension. Any amendment to this Agreement required to accommodate an extension shall be made in accordance with Article 30.2 (Amendments).
2. For greater certainty, an extension in accordance with paragraph 1 may include extension of further provisions of this Agreement to the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey and the Isle of Man, as well as any extension to any other territories for whose international relations the United Kingdom is responsible, including, but not limited to, Gibraltar.
Article 30.4. Territorial Disapplication
At any time after entry into force of this Agreement, the United Kingdom may give written notice to India that this Agreement, or specified provisions of it, shall no longer apply to a territory for whose international relations the United Kingdom is responsible. If the United Kingdom gives notice in writing pursuant to this Article, the Parties shall hold consultations promptly to agree a mutually satisfactory solution. Notwithstanding those consultations, if notice in writing is given that this Agreement as a whole is no longer to apply to a territory for whose international relations the United Kingdom is responsible, the disapplication shall take effect 12 months after the date on which the United Kingdom provided written notice to India, or on such other date as the Parties may agree. Any amendment to this Agreement required as a result of disapplication shall be in accordance with Article 30.2 (Amendments).
Article 30.5. General Review
1. The Parties shall undertake a general review of the Agreement, at ministerial level, with a view to furthering its objectives and building on the existing terms of this Agreement, within five years of the date of entry into force of this Agreement and thereafter every five years or at such times as may be agreed by the Parties.
2. A review pursuant to paragraph 1 shall take into account:
(a) the objective of facilitating trade through further liberalisation of market access for goods and services;
(b) that mutually beneficial outcomes flow from the implementation and overall operation of this Agreement;
(c) the work of subcommittees, working groups or other subsidiary bodies established under this Agreement, including reviews under relevant Chapters; and
(d) any other matters as may be agreed by the Parties.
Article 30.6. Entry Into Force
This Agreement shall enter into force 60 days after the date on which the Parties exchange written notifications confirming that they have completed their respective domestic legal requirements necessary for the entry into force of this Agreement or on such other date as the Parties may agree.
Article 30.7. Termination
A Party may terminate this Agreement by giving the other Party written notice. The termination shall take effect six months after the date of the notification, or on such date as the Parties may agree.
Conclusion
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, being duly authorised by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.
DONE in two originals at London on this twenty-fourth day of July, 2025.
For the Government of the Republic of India
…………………………………
Piyush Goyal
Minister of Commerce and Industry
For the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
…………………………………
Jonathan Reynolds
Secretary of State for Business and Trade Department for Business and Trade