India has signed an agreement on social security related to social security contributions with the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron signed the agreement in New Delhi yesterday. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said the agreement aims to avoid double social security contributions for employees of both countries on temporary assignments in each other's territories for a period of up to 36 months. The agreement will support the mobility and continued social security coverage of employees on short-term overseas assignments. The Ministry further stated that this agreement is part of India's trade deal with the UK and will come into effect together with the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement. Mr. Misri also held a strategic dialogue with Executive Vice Foreign Minister of China, Ma Zhaoxu, who is in India to participate in the BRICS Sherpa Meeting. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the positive momentum in bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen ties through enhanced people-to-people exchanges. They also exchanged views on the global and regional situation and multilateral issues.
