PM Modi and UK PM Starmer Sign Historic FTA; GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali Joins Delegation, Presents “Gem of a Partnership” Commemorative Book
Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer formally signed the historic India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 24th July 2025 at Chequers, the official country residence of the British Prime Minister. The signing marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral trade relations between the two nations. Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), was in attendance as part of an exclusive 20-member business delegation accompanying the Hon’ble Prime Minister on his official visit to the 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 & 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 Hon’ble PM Shri 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. The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (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 honor to be part of the Prime Minister’s Indian business delegation and to present the book, Gem of a Partnership, to Hon’ble PM Shri 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’ jewelry collection at the UK–India Reception. The collection beautifully represented iconic traditional arts such as filigree, Kashmiri architecture, Meenakari, enamelling, and Warli, embodying our Hon’ble PM’s inspiring ‘Design in India’ vision for the jewellery sector.”
GJEPC is actively working to support its members through this evolving trade landscape by hosting awareness sessions, webinars, and seminars led by international trade experts for ensuring that the industry maximises the long-term benefits of this India-UK partnership.
