Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer met with business leaders from India and the UK following the signing of the historic India – UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement [CETA]. 

Leading Industry captains from both sides from the health, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, automobiles, energy, manufacturing, telecom, technology, IT, logistics, textiles and financial services sectors were present in the meeting. These sectors contribute significantly to employment generation and inclusive economic development in both countries. 

During the visit at the gems & jewellery pavilion themed, India Crafts Reimagined – Kirit Bhansali, Chairman-GJEPC hosted both, India & UK’s Prime Ministers. They informed and explained about India’s legacy of craftsmanship by Kirit Bhansali. Shri Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer unveiled GJEPC’s, Gem of a Partnership – book. They also spent quality time admiring the exquisite Indian jewellery on display. 

The two leaders walked through a showcase featuring an impressive line-up of flagship products and innovations from both nations. The exhibits included gems and jewellery, engineering goods, quality consumer products and advanced technological solutions. 

The United Kingdom and India signed a historic free trade agreement (FTA), boosting bilateral trade by around $34 billion annually. The FTA, signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK, includes tariff cuts, improved mobility for professionals, and market access guarantees that together mark one of India’s most comprehensive trade pacts.

The FTA offers duty-free access to the UK’s $23 billion market, giving Indian MSMEs a strong advantage over other countries in labour-intensive sectors such as gems and jewellery, leather and footwear, textiles. India’s gems and jewellery exports to the UK are currently valued at $941 million, with jewellery alone accounting for $400 million. With the UK importing $3 billion worth of jewellery annually, India’s exports are expected to double in 2–3 years.

The deal took three years to reach and also commits to a new India-UK plan to tackle illegal migration.Opponents had warned the deal could undercut British workers due to extended social security terms, but UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said this was “completely wrong” and Indian workers on temporary secondment to the UK would get the same deal already offered to many other countries.

The trade deal is expected to ensure comprehensive market access for Indian goods across all sectors and India will gain from tariff elimination on about 99 per cent of tariff lines (product categories) covering almost 100 per cent of the trade values, the officials said.

After signing the landmark deal, the two prime ministers are also expected to unveil an “UK-India Vision 2035” to take their partnership to new heights in a time of rapid global change.

The UK said Indian consumers will benefit from improved access to the best British products — from soft drinks and cosmetics to cars and medical devices — as average tariffs will drop from 15 per cent to 3 per cent after the FTA kicks in.

Aupulent, a pioneer in sustainable fine jewellery, announces the launch of its newest collection Astro by Aupulent a curated line of lab grown diamond jewellery crafted specifically for astrological and spiritual purposes. Designed for both men and women, this launch marks a first in India’s jewellery industry where lab grown diamonds are being offered for Vedic astrology.

Redefining Tradition with Modern Science

For centuries, diamonds have held astrological significance in Vedic astrology, especially for individuals ruled by Venus (Shukra). Traditionally sourced through mining, these stones have been expensive, limited in access, and often linked to environmental degradation.

Aupulent challenges this norm by offering the same astrological benefits in a modern, ethical, and transparent format using lab grown diamonds. This is a first in the Indian fine jewellery market a brand officially combining lab grown diamond technology with traditional astrological relevance.

“We want to break the stereotype that only mined diamonds can serve astrological needs. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds chemically, physically, and energetically. It’s time we integrate sustainability with spiritual wellness,” says Surya Jain, Founder and CEO of Aupulent.

Surya, a fifth-generation jeweller and believer in holistic wellness, adds, “This collection is very personal to me. I’ve grown up around the power of gemstones, and I’ve also studied the potential of modern science. With Astro, we’re merging both worlds to create something authentic, accessible, and future-forward.”

Astrology and a New Generation

Astrology is undergoing a cultural revival, especially among younger audiences in India. A recent NumroVani study found that as of late 2024, 51% of Indians aged 18–35 consult astrological insights daily, and a striking 88% read their horoscopes at least once a week. Whether it’s for relationship guidance, career clarity, or emotional balance, millennials and Gen Z are embracing astrology as a powerful tool for personal growth and self-awareness.

Conscious Luxury: Today’s consumer is value-driven. They want jewellery that is not only beautiful but also meaningful, ethical, and aligned with their spiritual and lifestyle beliefs. The Astro collection delivers on all fronts, merging conscious luxury with ancient Vedic wisdom.

Who Should Wear Diamonds According to Vedic Astrology: Diamond is associated with the planet Venus (Shukra)—the planet of love, beauty, luxury, and creativity. It is considered especially beneficial for individuals with Taurus or Libra as their lagna (ascendant) or for those with a strongly placed Venus in their birth chart. The benefits of wearing a diamond include enhanced charm, emotional balance, financial stability, creativity, and improved relationships.

Each ring in the Astro collection is thoughtfully designed so that the diamond touches the wearer’s skin ensuring the stone’s energy is fully absorbed, as per Vedic principles. At the same time, the setting is engineered for comfort and durability, allowing for ease of movement and daily wear without compromising on elegance or astrological efficacy.

How Aupulent Ensures Authenticity

Each diamond in the Astro collection is:

• Grown using CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) technology
• Tested for purity and energetic alignment
• Set in Vedic-aligned designs that consider correct finger positioning, planetary weights, and approved metals like gold or platinum
• Accompanied by third-party lab certification
• Offered with optional astrology consultations for deeper personal relevance

Leading the Movement of Purposeful Jewellery

With this collection, Aupulent becomes India’s first fine jewellery brand to officially advocate for the use of lab grown diamonds in astrology. This initiative reflects the brand’s commitment to blending sustainability, spirituality, and science into modern luxury.

“Jewellery is no longer just about adornment. It’s about intention,” adds Surya Jain. “With Astro, we’re giving consumers a new way to connect with what they wear — emotionally, energetically, and ethically.”