National News
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
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.”
National News
GJS 2026 Diwali Edition Concludes On A High Note With Record Sales
The All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) successfully concluded the landmark 10th edition of the India Gem & Jewellery Show (GJS 2026 Diwali Edition), celebrated as #HumaraApnaShow, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. From October 2–4, 2026, the exhibition reaffirmed its position as India’s most premium B2B jewellery platform, bringing together over 400 exhibitors, 700+ booths, and thousands of buyers and industry leaders from across India and abroad.

The show began on October 1, 2026, with the Elite Family Jewellers Meet & Business Workshop, led by India’s leading business coach Rahul Jain, designed exclusively for jewellery business owners and their families. The workshop provided participants with strategies on growth, profitability, leadership, and customer acquisition, setting the stage for an enriching exhibition.
The show was inaugurated on October 2, 2026, by Chief Guest Shri Uday Samant Ji, Cabinet Minister for Industries and Marathi Language, Government of Maharashtra, who lauded GJS as a platform that reflects the strength, creativity, and resilience of India’s jewellery industry. He emphasized Maharashtra’s role as a hub for trade and craftsmanship, noting that GJS showcases how tradition and innovation can come together to drive growth. His words set the tone for an inspiring edition that celebrated both heritage and modernity.
Guest of Honour Srinivas Injeti, Chairman NSE and Chairman of the board IAGES, Mahesh Jain, President, UP Sarafa Association, and Special Guest Rajiv Jain, Chairman, Jaipur Jewelley Show along with members of the GJC Committee of Administration and other senior industry leaders, underscoring the collective strength and unity of India’s jewellery fraternity.


On October 3, the prestigious National Jewellery Awards (NJA) 2026, presented by the World Gold Council and powered by India Gold Metaverse, honoured excellence across categories. The evening was graced by Bollywood star Sonakshi Sinha, who presented awards to the winners, adding glamour and recognition to the industry’s most coveted celebration.
Throughout the three days, GJS hosted MindSpeak Seminars, covering diverse topics across all aspects of the jewellery business — from sustainable practices and digital transformation to consumer trends, family business strategies, and the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in design, retail, and customer engagement. These sessions empowered jewellers with insights to adapt to evolving market dynamics and embrace technology-driven growth.
The exhibition also showcased exclusive collections ranging from lightweight contemporary designs to heritage-inspired masterpieces, lab-grown diamond innovations, and couture jewellery.
Rajesh Rokde, Chairman of GJC, said:

“The successful conclusion of the 10th edition of GJS is a proud moment for India’s jewellery industry. From the grand inauguration led by Shri Uday Samant Ji to the NJA awards presented by Sonakshi Sinha, this edition has set new benchmarks in innovation, networking, and business growth. The record sales figures highlight the resilience of our industry and the trust consumers place in Indian craftsmanship.”
Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman of GJC, remarked:
“GJS2026 has proven to be the ultimate sourcing destination for jewellers nationwide. The strong participation, exclusive collections, and vibrant sales reflect the industry’s ability to balance heritage with modernity. The NJA awards further reinforced the industry’s credibility by honouring talent and innovation, making this edition truly memorable.”

Saiyam Mehra, Convenor of GJS and GJC NEXTGEN and Past Chairman of GJC, added:

“This edition of GJS was more than an exhibition—it was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and opportunity. As Convenor of GJS, I am proud to see how these platforms together showcased innovation, honoured excellence, and inspired the industry to embrace the future with confidence. The seminars, awards, and unique showcases have strengthened our collective vision for India’s jewellery sector as a global hub of excellence.”
The 10th edition of GJS concluded with resounding success, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, collaboration, and celebration that will continue to inspire the jewellery industry in the years to come.

Uday Samant, Cabinet Minister for Industries and Marathi Language, Government of Maharashtra, unveiled the JewelBuzz GJS Diwali Edition Special Issue, featuring Rajesh Rokde, Chairman, GJC, on the cover.
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