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CEPA completes 3 years; powering India-UAE trade and economic ties

Bilateral gem and jewellery trade surged from US$ 20.88 billion in FY2022 to US$ 28.15 billion in FY2024, reflecting a robust 35% increase

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The *Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)* between *India and the UAE*, formalised on 18th February 2022, has profoundly strengthened economic ties between the two nations. As we commemorate its third anniversary, it is evident that CEPA has significantly enhanced trade opportunities, particularly for India’s gem and jewellery industry.

Since CEPA’s implementation, trade between India and the UAE has witnessed remarkable growth. The bilateral gem and jewellery trade surged from US$ 20.88 billion in FY2022 to US$ 28.15 billion in FY2024, reflecting a robust 35% increase. India’s gem and jewellery exports to the UAE also soared by over 60%, from US$ 4.95 billion in FY2022 to US$ 8.04 billion in FY2024.

Notably, UAE’s share in India’s total exports rose from 13% in FY2022 to 25% in FY2024, overtaking Hong Kong as India’s second-largest export market. This underscores the transformative impact of CEPA on India’s trade dynamics.

One of the most significant benefits of CEPA has been the duty-free access for all gem and jewellery products, including gold, silver, and platinum jewellery, along with polished diamonds and gemstones.This development has motivated Indian exporters to increase their supply of various gem and jewellery items to the UAE, capitalising on the enhanced market access provided by the agreement.

This policy shift has led to substantial growth in key export categories:

Plain Gold Jewellery: Exports surged by 127.62%, reaching US$ 4,240 million in FY2024.

Studded Gold Jewellery: Increased by over 50%, from US$ 917 million in FY2022 to US$ 1,382 million in FY2024.

Worked Lab-Grown Diamonds: Witnessed a 58.16% growth, reaching US$ 172 million in FY2024.

Platinum Jewellery: Recorded a staggering 820.87% increase, reaching US$ 23 million.

Coloured Gemstones: Grew by 17.19% to US$ 9.34 million

*Kirit Bhansali*, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “The India-UAE CEPA has propelled our gem and jewellery exports to new heights, growing by over 60% from US$ 4.95 billion in FY2022 to US$ 8.04 billion in FY2024. The UAE now accounts for nearly a quarter of India’s total gem and jewellery exports, surpassing Hong Kong. The duty-free advantage has unlocked immense opportunities, particularly in plain gold jewellery, which saw a 127% surge. As we celebrate three years of CEPA, we remain committed to strengthening this vital partnership and exploring new avenues for growth.”

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Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds Raises INR 275 Crore To Strengthen Vertical Integration and Accelerate Retail Expansion Across India

The INR 275 Crore Funding Will Bolster Manufacturing, Innovation, and Retail Expansion As Limelight Targets 200 Stores Nationwide By 2027.

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Limelight Diamonds, India’s leading lab grown diamond jewellery brand, has successfully completed an INR 275 crore strategic funding round led by the Company’s core promoters, the Bhathwari Group, along with participation from key strategic partners from the jewellery industry. The round also saw strong participation from several of the Company’s franchise partners, reinforcing their confidence in Limelight’s long-term vision, business fundamentals, and growth trajectory.

The capital has been raised through a combination of equity and cash consideration and will be utilised towards strengthening the Company’s vertical integration capabilities, expanding manufacturing infrastructure, enhancing design and innovation capabilities, and accelerating retail expansion across India.

At a time when the national conversation is increasingly focused on strengthening domestic industries and reducing dependency on imports under the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s “Make in India” vision, Limelight Diamonds believes the lab grown diamond sector is uniquely positioned to become a globally competitive Indian luxury category. Lab grown diamonds represent a modern, technology-led manufacturing opportunity for India. With strong domestic manufacturing capabilities, skilled craftsmanship, and growing consumer demand, the category aligns closely with India’s ambition to emerge as a global manufacturing and export hub.

Commenting on the milestone, Pooja Madhavan, Founder & MD, said:

“This funding round is a strong validation of Limelight’s vision and the growing potential of the lab grown diamond industry in India. At a time when Hon’ble Prime Minister’s ‘Make in India’ vision is driving focus towards domestic manufacturing and global competitiveness, we believe lab grown diamonds present a significant opportunity for India to lead a new-age luxury category globally. This investment will help us strengthen Indian manufacturing, accelerate retail expansion, and build a world-class brand from India for the world.”

Limelight Diamonds also confirmed that its retail expansion plans remain firmly on track, with aggressive growth planned across metro cities, Tier I, and emerging Tier II markets. The Company aims to significantly increase its national retail footprint through a combination of company-owned and franchise-operated stores, with a target of adding 100 stores in 2026 and scaling up to 200 stores by 2027.

The funding comes at a time when consumer interest in lab grown diamonds is witnessing rapid momentum globally, driven by evolving preferences, value-conscious luxury consumption, sustainability considerations, and increasing acceptance among younger consumers.

With a strong retail network, vertically integrated operations, and growing investor confidence, Limelight Diamonds is positioning itself at the forefront of India’s next-generation jewellery revolution.

BSC Advisors served as the financial advisor to Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds for this strategic fund raise.

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