Key Highlights
- Department of Commerce conducts FTA outreach programme for the gems and jewellery sector in Jaipur.
- FTA partner countries import over US$55 billion worth of jewellery annually.
- India’s current jewellery exports to FTA partner markets stand at US$8 billion.
- Rajasthan contributes 97% of India’s coloured gemstone exports.
- India achieved a record USD 863 billion in exports during FY 2025-26.
- The government aims to reach USD 2 trillion in exports by 2030.
- GJEPC partnered with the Department of Commerce for the Jaipur programme.
- MSMEs and cluster-based exporters encouraged to utilise FTA benefits.
India’s expanding network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) presents a significant opportunity for the country’s gems and jewellery sector to accelerate exports and strengthen its position in global markets, according to the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
To enhance industry awareness and utilisation of trade agreements, the Department of Commerce organised a focused outreach programme titled “Leveraging FTAs for the Gems & Jewellery Sector” in Jaipur in partnership with the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). The programme brought together exporters, manufacturers, MSMEs and key industry stakeholders to explore ways of maximising benefits under India’s evolving FTA framework.
The initiative forms part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that exporters, particularly MSMEs and cluster-based enterprises, can effectively leverage market access opportunities created through India’s new-generation trade agreements.
India’s export performance has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade, with total exports reaching an all-time high of USD 863 billion in FY 2025-26, compared to USD 468 billion in FY 2014-15. Merchandise exports accounted for USD 442 billion, while services exports contributed USD 421 billion, reflecting the growing strength and competitiveness of the Indian economy.
The Department noted that India’s FTAs have become broader and commercially more impactful in recent years, covering areas such as goods, services, investment, standards and trade facilitation. The gems and jewellery sector has emerged as one of the key beneficiaries of these agreements.
A significant opportunity exists in India’s FTA partner markets, which collectively import more than US$55 billion worth of jewellery annually. India’s current share stands at approximately US$8 billion, highlighting substantial untapped export potential.
Rajasthan, which contributes nearly 97% of India’s coloured gemstone exports and maintains a strong presence in silver and imitation jewellery manufacturing, is particularly well-positioned to benefit from increased utilisation of FTAs and expand its global market reach.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Saket Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, said:
“India’s FTAs are strategic instruments for expanding export opportunities. Our objective is to ensure that every exporter, including MSMEs and cluster-based enterprises is equipped to utilise them.”
The outreach programme aligns with the vision of Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, who has consistently emphasised that India’s export-led growth strategy is built on enhanced competitiveness, improved market access and stronger domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The Government has set an ambitious target of achieving USD 2 trillion in exports by 2030, a goal that will require active participation from industry stakeholders and greater utilisation of opportunities available through India’s expanding FTA ecosystem.
The Department of Commerce stated that similar outreach programmes will continue across major export clusters to facilitate wider dissemination of FTA-related opportunities and support India’s journey towards becoming a leading global manufacturing and export hub under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
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