The implementation of the landmark India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 15 July 2026 marks a transformative milestone for India's gem and jewellery industry, opening the door to significantly greater market access, enhanced competitiveness and accelerated bilateral trade with one of its key export markets. With zero-duty access for nearly 99% of Indian exports to the UK, the agreement is expected to unlock substantial growth opportunities for Indian manufacturers, exporters, MSMEs and skilled artisans.

The FTA is expected to reshape India–UK gem and jewellery trade by improving the price competitiveness of Indian products across categories including diamond jewellery, coloured gemstone jewellery, silver jewellery and lab-grown diamond jewellery. GJEPC estimates that India's gem and jewellery exports to the UK could more than triple from current levels to USD 2.5 billion over the coming years, helping propel bilateral trade in the sector towards the USD 7 billion milestone.

To help the industry capitalise on these opportunities from the outset, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has organised the second edition of the India–UK Buyer-Seller Meet (BSM) 2026, being held on 7–8 July 2026 at Emirates Arsenal Stadium, London. Strategically timed ahead of the implementation of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement, the two-day event has brought together Indian exporters and leading UK buyers to forge commercial partnerships, gain insights into evolving consumer preferences and accelerate business opportunities under the new trade framework.

The event was inaugurated by Ms. Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Hon'ble Minister (Economic), High Commission of India, London, in the presence of Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, Mr. Mehdi Saadian – Chair, National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), Ms. Katie Cottham, Buying & Merchandising Manager, H&T Group plc (UK); and Mr. Will Evans, Director (Assay Master), London Assay Office, UK alongside key industry stakeholders.

Speaking about the opportunities for the gem and jewellery sector, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, "The implementation of the India–UK CETA presents a significant competitive advantage for India's gem and jewellery industry. Duty-free access to the UK market from 15 July will enhance the attractiveness of Indian products and create new opportunities across key product segments. We are confident of increasing India's gem and jewellery exports to the UK from the current US$754 million to around US$2.5 billion over the next few years, while contributing to the growth of bilateral trade in the sector to nearly US$7 billion."

Courtesy: AOJ DESK NEWS