8INDIAREVIEWFEBRUARY, 2026INDIA-UK PACT ENDS DOUBLE SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTSIndia and the United Kingdom have established their first social security agreement, which eliminates double contribution requirements for workers who have temporary international work assignments.The new policy will provide financial assistance to Indian professionals working in the UK and create better business opportunities for them. The New Delhi agreement between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron permits employees who work abroad for three years to avoid social security payments in both countries.The MEA stated, "The agreement seeks to avoid double social security contributions for employees of both countries on temporary assignments in each other's territories for periods of up to 36 months".The ministry added, "The agreement will support mobility and continued social security coverage of the employees on short-term overseas assignments".The new regulations will reduce financial responsibilities for both employees and businesses while strengthening eco-nomic connections between the two countries. The agreement permits Indian and UK workers who have temporary work con-tracts lasting up to 36 months to skip social security payments in both countries.The MEA noted, "This will enhance India-UK partnerships in the service sector, leveraging the high skills and innovative service sectors of both countries".The current system provides significant benefits to Indian businesses in the United Kingdom, which include major IT companies that send employees for temporary assignments to work on their projects."The agreement forms part of India's trade deal with the UK and shall come into effect together with the CETA, planned for implementation during the first half of the current year", the MEA added.The workers and their employers faced increased operational expenses because they had to make simultaneous contributions to both India and the United Kingdom.The agreement exists as a component of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which both countries signed in July last year to establish a special social security agreement between them. The officials believe that CETA, combined with this new agreement, will create better economic ties between countries and enable skilled workers to move between borders. IMRTata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Stellantis have signed a memorandum of understanding to investigate possibilities for extending their joint efforts to manufacturing, engineering and supply-chain functions in India.The agreement marks around 20 years of association between the two automotive groups and builds on their existing 50:50 joint venture, Fiat India Automobiles Pvt. Ltd. (FIAPL).The joint venture operates an integrated vehicle and powertrain manufacturing facility at Ranjangaon, near Pune, which has been a central pillar of the partnership. Since its establishment, the Fiat India Automobile operation has manufactured more than 1.37 million vehicles.The plant currently has an installed annual capacity of approximately 222,000 units and provides direct employment to nearly 5,000 people. The facility produces vehicles for both partners, which include Jeep-branded models for Stellantis and multiple passenger vehicles for Tata Motors, while also manufacturing powertrain components.The companies will use their manufacturing facilities, engineering expertise and supply-chain operations to find ways for better operational performance through their collaborative work established by their MoU agreement.The team will focus on powertrain and component manufacturing but will use their discoveries to develop operational efficiency in select international markets. The companies have not disclosed their future funding strategies or project schedules, which shows that they are still in the early research phase of their business talks.Grégoire Olivier, Chief Operating Officer, Stellantis Asia Pacific stated, "FIAPL demonstrates the strength of long-term collaboration".The Ranjangaon facility produces several Jeep models, which include the Compass and Meridian, together with Tata Motors' Nexon, Altroz and Curvv vehicles. The company provides its services to export markets, which include Japan and South Africa.Automakers around the world have reconsidered their alliances because they need to reduce expenses and increase local production while they deal with unpredictable supply chain challenges. The two organizations will produce their first results after completing their extensive business viability assessments. IMRTOP STORIESTATA MOTORS, STELLANTIS SIGN MOU FOR EXPANDED INDIA TIES
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