India has signed a Social Security Agreement with the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland to streamline social security contributions for employees working on short-term assignments in each other’s countries.

The agreement was signed in New Delhi by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the pact is aimed at preventing double social security contributions for employees deputed abroad for up to 36 months.

The arrangement is expected to ease cross-border mobility by ensuring continued social security coverage for professionals on temporary overseas postings. The Ministry stated that the agreement is part of the broader India-UK trade framework and will take effect alongside the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement between the two countries.

Separately, Mr. Misri held the India-China Strategic Dialogue with Executive Vice Foreign Minister of China Ma Zhaoxu, who is visiting India for the BRICS Sherpa Meeting. Both sides reviewed recent progress in bilateral ties and explored measures to strengthen engagement, particularly through increased people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed regional and global developments, along with key multilateral issues.