India flags off first jewellery export consignment to the UK under landmark India–UK CETA

India marked a defining moment in its gem and jewellery export journey with the flagging off of the first jewellery export consignment to the United Kingdom under the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.

The ceremony was graced by Rajesh Agrawal, Commerce Secretary; Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India; Petal Dhillon, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce; and Lav Agarwal, Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Representing the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) were Antarpal Singh Sawhney, Chairman, Northern Region, GJEPC and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC.

As part of this nationwide celebration of the India–UK CETA, similar flag-off ceremonies are being organised during the day across Mumbai, Surat, Jaipur, Chennai and Kolkata, highlighting the collective strength of India's jewellery manufacturing and export ecosystem.


The inaugural shipment comprises $10 million worth of gold jewellery, diamond jewellery, silver jewellery and platinum jewellery, exported by 30+ Indian exporters across six cities. It is the first jewellery consignment to benefit from the preferential market access created under the India–UK CETA.

The landmark agreement ushers in a new era for India's gem and jewellery industry by providing zero-duty market access from the day it enters into force and eliminating UK import tariffs of up to 4%. This gives Indian exporters a significant competitive advantage in the UK's $4billion jewellery import market, while positioning India as an even more preferred sourcing destination for high-quality jewellery.

Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said "Today marks a proud and defining moment for India's gem and jewellery industry as we flag off the first jewellery export consignment to the United Kingdom under the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. This is far more than the movement of goods—it marks the beginning of a new chapter in India's global trade journey. I sincerely thank Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Government of India for their visionary leadership in concluding this landmark agreement and for their unwavering support to our industry.

The India–UK CETA eliminates UK import tariffs of up to 4%, providing Indian exporters with a significant competitive advantage in the UK's $4 billion jewellery import market. With zero-duty access, we expect India's gem and jewellery exports to the UK to increase from around $754 million to nearly $2.5 billion over the next three years. This growth will create new opportunities for exporters, manufacturers, MSMEs, artisans and designers while further strengthening India's position as a global leader in craftsmanship, innovation and value-added jewellery manufacturing."

Antarpal Singh Sawhney, Chairman, Northern Region, GJEPC, said, "The India–UK CETA is a transformative agreement for India's gem and jewellery sector. It provides our exporters with preferential access to one of the world's most important premium jewellery markets and significantly enhances India's competitiveness. Today's first shipment demonstrates the industry's readiness to seize these opportunities and expand its presence in the UK market."

Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, said, "The flagging off of the first jewellery consignment under the India–UK CETA is the culmination of years of sustained engagement between the Government of India and the industry. The agreement will strengthen India's export ecosystem, support value-added manufacturing, facilitate ease of doing business and enable thousands of exporters, MSMEs and artisans to access new growth opportunities in the UK."

The India–UK CETA is expected to deliver far-reaching benefits across India's gem and jewellery value chain. Besides boosting exports, it is expected to attract greater investment, generate employment, promote skill development and strengthen the participation of MSMEs, artisans and designers. The agreement also facilitates ease of doing business through self-certification, business-friendly Rules of Origin and robust mechanisms to address non-tariff measures.

The agreement is expected to benefit exports across multiple product segments, including gold jewellery, diamond jewellery, coloured gemstone jewellery, platinum jewellery, silver jewellery, pearls and lab-grown diamond jewellery. Major jewellery manufacturing clusters—including Surat, Mumbai, Jaipur, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Thrissur—are expected to witness significant gains from enhanced access to the UK market.

The first consignment reflects the confidence of Indian exporters in the opportunities created by the India–UK CETA and underscores India's commitment to strengthening its presence in premium global markets through quality, innovation and craftsmanship.