India, UK Sign Social Security Pact to End Dual Contributions
New Delhi: India and the United Kingdom on Tuesday signed a landmark Agreement on Social Security Contributions, aimed at eliminating the burden of double social security payments for employees on temporary overseas assignments.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi by Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri and Ms. Lindy Cameron CB OBE, the British High Commissioner to the Republic of India, on behalf of their respective governments.
The pact focuses on avoiding dual social security contributions by professionals and employees who are temporarily deputed to the other country, a long-standing concern for businesses and skilled workers operating across borders.
Boost to Talent Mobility
By removing overlapping contribution requirements, the agreement is expected to:
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Enhance cross-border movement of skilled professionals
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Reduce employment costs for companies
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Improve ease of doing business between India and the UK
The move will particularly benefit employees on short-term international assignments, ensuring they are not required to contribute simultaneously to social security systems in both countries.
Economic & Strategic Impact
Officials noted that the agreement will strengthen economic cooperation, encourage greater professional exchanges, and improve global competitiveness of Indian and British enterprises. It also aligns with broader efforts by both governments to deepen collaboration in trade, services, and human capital development.
The signing marks another step forward in the India–UK strategic partnership, reflecting shared priorities in facilitating workforce mobility and creating a more predictable regulatory environment for businesses operating internationally.