Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer signed the landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) 24th July 2025 at Chequers, the official country residence of the British Prime Minister. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), was present at the ceremony as part of a special 20-member business delegation led by PM to UK.

The FTA is set to transform bilateral trade between the two nations, with nearly 99% of Indian exports gaining zero-duty access to the UK market. The pact is expected to significantly boost Indian gem exports across key sectors, especially plain gold and gemstone studded jewellery.

In 2024, India exported gems and jewellery worth $941 million to the UK, while imports from there stood at $2.7 billion, bringing bilateral trade in the sector to $3.6 billion. Under the FTA, this trade is projected to nearly double, with Indian gem and jewellery exports to the UK set to touch $2.5 billion and bilateral trade in the sector expected to hit $7 billion in two years’ time.

The elimination of import tariffs will enhance the global competitiveness of ‘Made in India’ gems and jewellery, creating fresh opportunities for manufacturers, MSMEs, and crating jobs for skilled artisans across the country.

Commenting on the landmark agreement, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC said, “It was an immense privilege to witness the historic signing of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement — a transformative milestone under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi. This landmark accord unlocks exciting new opportunities for the gem and jewellery sector. Currently, exports to the UK stand at USD 941 million; with the duty concessions in place, this figure is poised to surge to USD 2.5 billion within the next three years, elevating overall bilateral trade in our sector to an estimated USD 7 billion.

What is particularly encouraging is that recent FTAs—including this one—are being forged with key consumer markets across diverse sectors. GJEPC has proactively collaborated with the Government to ensure that our industry receives the strategic focus and priority it truly deserves.

It was both a matter of pride and honour to be part of the Prime Minister’s Indian business delegation and to present the book, Gem of a Partnership, to PM Narendra Modi and UK PM Sir Keir Starmer. The book highlighted the immense potential of India–UK gem and jewellery trade. Additionally, it was a distinguished honor to showcase the exquisite ‘Indian Crafts Reimagined’ jewellery collection at the UK–India Reception. The collection beautifully represented iconic traditional arts such as filigree, Kashmiri architecture, Meenakari, enamelling, and Warli, embodying our PM’s inspiring ‘Design in India’ vision for the jewellery sector.”

Courtesy: AOJ Desk News