Key Highlights
- GJEPC inaugurated the second India–UK Buyer-Seller Meet in London.
- The event brings together 20 leading Indian jewellery manufacturers and prominent UK buyers.
- The Buyer-Seller Meet is being held ahead of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement coming into force on 15 July 2026.
- India’s gem and jewellery exports to the UK are projected to grow from US$754 million to US$2.5 billion.
- The event aims to strengthen long-term partnerships and expand bilateral trade opportunities.
- Government representatives and industry leaders highlighted the FTA’s potential to deepen economic cooperation.
With the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) set to come into force on 15 July 2026, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has inaugurated the second edition of the India–UK Buyer-Seller Meet (BSM) in London, bringing together 20 leading Indian gem and jewellery manufacturers and prominent UK buyers for two days of focused business meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and creating new commercial opportunities.
Held at the Arsenal Executive Box, Emirates Stadium, the Buyer-Seller Meet has been strategically organised ahead of the implementation of the India–UK FTA, enabling Indian manufacturers and UK retailers to establish new partnerships, understand evolving market requirements and expand business prospects before the agreement takes effect.
The event was inaugurated in the presence of Smt. Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Hon’ble Minister (Economic), High Commission of India in London, along with representatives from the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), the London Assay Office, and H&T, reflecting the growing importance of the UK as a key export destination for India’s gem and jewellery sector.
According to GJEPC, India’s gem and jewellery exports to the United Kingdom currently stand at approximately US$754 million and are projected to grow significantly to around US$2.5 billion over the next few years, supported by the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement and stronger industry collaboration.
Addressing the gathering, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said:
“The India–UK Free Trade Agreement marks the beginning of a new phase in our bilateral trade relationship. This Buyer-Seller Meet provides the ideal platform for businesses to establish partnerships ahead of the agreement coming into force and unlock long-term growth opportunities.”
Speaking on the broader significance of the initiative, Mr. Bhansali further added:
“With the India–UK Free Trade Agreement set to come into effect, we felt this was the right time to bring Indian manufacturers and UK buyers together once again. We wanted businesses on both sides to meet, understand each other’s requirements, and begin building partnerships even before the agreement comes into force. Trade agreements create opportunities. Businesses convert those opportunities into growth.
GJEPC has remained committed to creating platforms where buyers and sellers can meet, interact, and build lasting relationships. The India–UK Buyer-Seller Meet is about much more than business meetings; it is an opportunity to better understand changing market preferences, learn from our retail partners, and build long-term collaborations.”
Highlighting the wider economic impact of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), Smt. Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Hon’ble Minister (Economic), High Commission of India in London, said:
“The India–UK CETA is more than a trade agreement—it is a launchpad for deeper economic integration, stronger investments, and unprecedented growth for businesses on both sides.”
She noted that the gem and jewellery sector has remained a key focus area under the agreement and emphasised the significant opportunities it creates for exporters and manufacturers.
Ms. Tripathi further stated that bilateral trade between India and the United Kingdom has already crossed US$55 billion, with both countries aiming to nearly double the figure to around US$120 billion by 2030–31. She also highlighted the robust investment partnership between the two nations, with over 600 British companies investing nearly US$37 billion in India, while Indian investments in the UK continue to grow steadily.
Emphasising India’s manufacturing strengths, Mr. Bhansali said:
“India today has one of the world’s strongest jewellery manufacturing ecosystems. Our strength lies in our skilled craftsmanship, manufacturing capabilities, design expertise, and our ability to produce jewellery across every category and every price point. With the implementation of the India–UK FTA, we are confident that bilateral trade will reach new heights.”
The two-day Buyer-Seller Meet features curated business meetings between Indian manufacturers and UK buyers across multiple product categories, offering participants an opportunity to explore new sourcing partnerships, strengthen existing relationships and expand market access in anticipation of the FTA’s implementation.
As the India–UK Free Trade Agreement comes into force on 15 July 2026, GJEPC believes the initiative will play a pivotal role in accelerating bilateral trade, encouraging long-term business collaborations and reinforcing India’s position as a preferred sourcing destination for the global gem and jewellery industry.
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